Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Have you ever paused to think about the last time you truly played? Whether it was frolicking on a playground, making a mess with paint, or constructing elaborate sandcastles, there’s a certain joy and freedom in childhood that often fades as we grow older. Children possess an innate ability to create from nothing, to believe in the impossible, and to ask questions that leave us adults scratching our heads.

As adults, we sometimes forget the magic of childlike wonder. We move through life with responsibilities that can weigh us down, pushing aside the playful spirit that once defined our days. Perhaps it’s been too long since you dipped your fingers in paint, creating masterpieces with vibrant colors or turned to the snow, using colored water to transform the blank canvas of winter into your own outdoor art gallery.

In a world that calls for maturity and control, it’s easy to lose sight of our playful side. But what if I told you that this childlike essence is precisely what God desires from us? In the Gospel of John, we read, “But to all who received him, those who believed in his name, he has given the right to become children of God” (John 1:12, NRSV). This passage reminds us that we are not simply believers; we are cherished children of God.

1 John 3:1-2 further illuminates this divine relationship: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” In these verses, God invites us to embrace our identity as His children—little ones running around at His feet, full of wonder and curiosity.

Just as children depend on their parents for care, protection, and guidance, we, too, are invited to rely on God. He longs for us to bring our burdens, our brokenness, and yes, even our creative messes to Him. God is our loving Father, who wants to comfort us, heal our wounds, and guide us in the right direction. Just as we correct our children to help them grow, God gently corrects us—not to diminish our spirit, but to uplift us and help us mature into who He created us to be.

It’s often said that one of the hardest parts of entering a relationship with God is relinquishing control. Children naturally submit to their parents’ authority, trusting them to provide and protect. As adults, we tend to cling tightly to our desire to control our lives, mistakenly thinking we should be in charge. Yet, God invites us to flip this narrative, reminding us that He is the one who leads and directs our paths.

So here’s the question: Are you ready to embrace your identity as a child of God? It’s not about setting aside your responsibilities but rather about acknowledging that, in your relationship with God, you can let go of the need to control. When you surrender, you open yourself to a life filled with joy, wonder, and divine guidance.

Remember, our identity is not bound by our adulthood but rather defined by our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Today, let’s take a moment to celebrate this truth:

I am a child of God.

What about you? Are you willing to embrace that joy and wonder as you walk through life with Him?