I read a lovely article this week on the innocence of childhood. The writer spoke about how all children have an air of innocence about them which sadly dissipates as they grow older. I have the wonderful privilege of experiencing that kind of innocence every day. I get to watch my four children as they explore their world, discover new ideas, and push all manner of boundaries, in many cases completely unaware of the darker, less appealing side of life because as far as they are concerned, life is beautiful.
Everything changes
Sadly, before we know it that inexplicable quality has somehow changed. We seem to lose the innocence of childhood in the process of growing up and it’s hard to say when and how it exactly happens. It is true, there is something about the carefree existence of a child that does vanish as we mature.
My eldest daughter believes that everyone is approachable, and all she needs to do is ask in order to get assistance for whatever it is that she wants to achieve. I know that one day she will learn that not everyone is willing to help her and someone down the line will possibly be rude or mean when denying her request. I don’t look forward to that day because it will change her. The wonderful openness she has towards others will become a little more guarded and less willing to be vulnerable.
All is not lost
While the innocence of childhood may fade over time there is an element of being innocent that it is possible to hang on to. The dictionary defines innocence as being without guile or corruption – it’s about being pure. I think very often we confuse this wholesome state with that of naivety. Naivety isn’t quite the same as being innocent. Naivety speaks of lacking wisdom or experience. A naïve person is often blissfully unaware and oblivious to the reality surrounding them but a person who has a sense of innocence may well be aware of what it going on but is able to remain untainted and unaffected by their circumstances.
Out of the frying pan
There is an account in the Old Testament about three young men who, because of their faith in God, were condemned to be put to death by being thrown into a furnace. The story goes that when the three were cast into the fire, instead of being burnt alive, God saved them and they walked out unharmed. The bible tells us that not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!
As good as new
It’s hard to remain untouched and unchanged by disappointments and hurts but it is possible to maintain an air of innocence regardless of the challenges you face. To remain pure and not smelling of smoke even though you’ve come through the fire. The things you encounter in your lifetime may cure you of your naivety and you may learn that not everything is as rosy as you once thought, but if you guard your heart these lessons need not leave you bitter and tainted. Just like the three men in furnace, if God is with you, you can come through the hard seasons with a pure and untainted attitude and not even a hint of smoke.