“What happened?” I asked my husband, really inquiring as to where my youngest son went.
He had just been in our family room, dancing with wild abandon, choreographing a song for his performing arts group he dances with, then rapidly disappeared when my husband and I walked back into the house after chatting on the patio.
“I think he became self-conscious when he thought we might be watching.”
My heart sunk as I wondered when that happened. When did he go from being a carefree little boy to being self-conscious…even around those who loved him most, and would accept him even when others might not?
That happens so very often to each of us. That little boy or girl in us slips away, back into ourselves, into hiding. Afraid to show our true, uncensored selves. Afraid of making mistakes. Afraid of being ridiculed, or mocked, or laughed at. Afraid of being told to “grow up.”
It’s sad, really. That at a certain time or age, we come to the place in our lives when we no longer give ourselves permission to be the self God created us to be. No longer free to experience life with joyful abundance, the way He created it for us to enjoy, because someone might not understand, might not want us to, might tell us not to.
What a shame it is that we come to the place when we begin to take life so seriously that we have trouble enjoying the simple things…the things that make our heart beat faster and our eyes glow when we think about it or talk about it.
Remember the child who danced with wild abandon like no one was looking.
The child who wasn’t afraid to color outside the lines.
The child who made up his own songs on the piano.
And the child who sang off key, believing it was a beautiful melody.
Remember the child who believed there was nothing wrong with eating dessert first.
The child who didn’t think twice about asking questions.
The child who made up knock-knock jokes and then laughed at her own jokes.
The child who found joy catching fireflies and lightning bugs.
Remember the child who found freedom in running through the sprinkler on a summer day.
The child who thought all animals were gentle and people even kinder.
The child who gave compliments freely and honestly without expecting or needing reciprocation.
The child who didn’t know she was different than all the rest because the world hadn’t had a chance to tell her yet.
That little boy or girl is still in there. That’s the very same person God created you to be. With all the awe and wonder of a Heavenly Father who not only created you but created this world and everything in it for you to enjoy. There was a reason Jesus said, “Come as a child.”
Remember, you are a child of the Most High God! Will you let her out, and let her enjoy life to the full?
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b).
What will you do today that brings you joy? I’d love for you to share in the comments below!
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
princess photo cred: Cindy Martin Krall
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
A short brief about Hope Prevails.
Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide
- An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
- As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.
Hope Prevails is available now wherever books are sold. To find out more, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.
Bring back that child! Love this, Michelle.
Sharing it all around…
Blessings,
Melanie
So glad you enjoyed it Melanie. We all need to remember the child in us, the child He created. “Come as a child…” Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Like a child! Yes, this is how we come to Jesus and this is how he sees our hearts.
And that child is always in there, Michele, waiting for the opportunity to express him or herself! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I have a 3 year old grandson and he reminds me to appreciate the simple things in life. Friday, we took great joy in making jello and laughing as we ate it.
I can hardly wait to see what joys today will bring us. I love the games he makes up and he almost always invites me to play along which I will as long as he allows. I know the time will come all too soon when Grammy will no longer be the playmate of choice.
Kim, sometimes being around children lets us remember what our inner child is like, and makes us less self-conscious about enjoying those childlike pleasures He gave us in the first place. I know you’ll enjoy that precious grandson and all the childlike joys he brings!! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Michelle, what an encouraging post! I love it. One of the things that brought me joy today was swinging on the porch swing doing nothing but relaxing and listening. And also spending time in the kitchen making delicious food! “Remember, you are a child of the Most High God! Will you let her out, and let her enjoy life to the full?” Yes and amen! Blessings to you!
Gayl, swinging, relaxing, and listening…what a wonderful way to “be still and know!” Sounds like a wonderful way of enjoying life to the full—good for you! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I loved this post. Thanks so much for sharing. My kids are now 13 and 15 and oh how I wish I could bring back that child.
The child is still in there Shannan. He tells us to come as a child and He wouldn’t tell us if it wasn’t possible. Let her out, at least with Him. You’ll be glad you did!
Love, love, love this! You wrote this at the perfect time for me. My heart has been bittersweet with my grandson graduating from high school and preparing to leave in August for the Navy. I’ve spent the past few weeks remembering things from his childhood, and wondering how he grew up so fast! Oh how I miss that little boy, but at the same time, I am so excited to see him grow into an amazing young man. Thank you!
First, Rachelle, I cannot even believe you have a grandson graduating from high school!! But what an exciting time-I hope you can enjoy the excitement it brings. Second, that child is still in him, and in you. Jesus wouldn’t tell us to come as a child if it wasn’t possible. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Just lovely!
Thank you so much. Enjoy your three, and join them in their childlike-ness! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
” when we no longer give ourselves permission to be the self God created us to be…because someone might not understand, might not want us to, might tell us not to.”
You’ve hit the nail on the head! Satan uses the people in our lives to squelch what God intended for good in us. And we unknowingly cooperate with him instead of believing God. God help us to clear away the lies and the fear and to go forth with peace and courage to be who God wants us to be! In Jesus’ name, Amen
you’re so right – when did that happen? i think in your 60’s or earlier hopefully it comes back w/ abandonment! (;
Michelle,
That child sure does get buried under all the responsibilities of adulthood, doesn’t she?! Thank you for the reminder to give her life again! What a great hope-filled message! I’m so thankful you visited and shared this hope with us at Moments of Hope! This is the kind of hope I prayed God would bring to this page each week!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Absolutely beautiful!
I love this!
What wonderful and encouraging words. I just recently shared a video on Facebook where I let loose and Riverdanced (tried too) while recording it. I never do video. I hate seeing myself on video. But this video is one of my favorites because it’s me… full of joy!
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop). I hope you’ll join us again tomorrow!
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo