By Alyssa Bormes
Sometimes I wonder what Jesus and John the Baptist did as kids. Sometimes I have wondered about it so much that I started a list of questions; I just found the list. Some of these are ridiculous, but my mind has many spasms of ridiculousness—so here goes.
When they were kids, did Jesus and John the Baptist:
- have a secret handshake?
- tell knock-knock jokes?
- listen for the sound of the sea in seashells?
- build blanket forts?
- play with tops?
- tell tall tales?
- skip rocks?
- build sandcastles?
- climb trees?
- have a tree fort?
- talk in an English accent?
- pretend to be superheroes?
- have a favorite song?
- play hide-and-go-seek?
What were Jesus’ dreams like? Did Joseph teach Jesus how to whittle? Was Jesus’ first carpentry project a birdhouse? Did He have pets? Did Jesus and John the Baptist ever have a water fight? Did they roll down hills? Did they make shadow puppets on the wall?
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ~Matthew 18: 3-4
There is something about the wonder and faith of a child. It is so carefree, trusting, and hopeful. It seems like we lose this at times—I’ve misplaced my childlike wonder a hundred times in just the last few months.
Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to be a child with Jesus?
Today, will you skip rocks with Him? Will you dream with Him? Will you build a birdhouse or roll down a hill with Him?
Will you allow yourself to have faith that is carefree, trusting, and hopeful? Will you play hide and seek with Him? Perhaps you already have—now, will you let Him find you? I wonder.
About the author:
Alyssa Bormes is an educator, author, speaker, and retreat leader. She currently teaches at the Chesterton Academy in Edina, Minnesota, writes for the Catholic Spirit, and the WINE blog, is the host of a weekly show, “Christian Witnesses in the Church,” on Radio Maria US, and is the author of The Catechism of Hockey. You can find her at alyssabormes.com.
Hi, Alyssa–Because I live on the shore of Lake Michigan, and have often imagined myself walking along the beach with Jesus, I especially liked your pondering of Jesus skipping rocks in the water. I will think of this imagery from now on every time I watch my grandchildren at the shore, and I will place Our Lord with them.
Oh – beautiful – placing Jesus with your grandchildren – Amen!
Good morning! Sometimes I forget how important it is to have the faith of a child. Thank you for this beautiful image of John and Jesus. Like the previous comment I will remember your words! Thank you!
Ah – thank you – may we all have the faith of a child.
Alyssa, You always have a way putting Jesus in the midst of our lives in such simple images. I love the faith of a child.. it’s so pure! Thank you for your wonderful perspective.
Love the image of “playing” with Jesus.