Embracing Childlike Faith: Coloring Outside the Lines

Navigating the constant flow of negativity and fear in our news feeds and daily lives can be incredibly challenging, especially today. It’s all too easy to become disheartened and lose sight of the simple truths that once grounded and comforted us.

I often long for something real, something authentic that resonates deeply and reminds me that goodness still exists, even when life feels messy, chaotic, and unpredictable.

During the difficult and uncertain seasons of my life, childlike faith became my anchor. It grounded me and softened my heart. In moments of confusion and doubt—when I wanted to give up on faith altogether, and the weight of the world felt too heavy to bear—this simple yet profound trust provided clarity and comfort.

In those quiet moments, away from social media, I began to reconnect with my childhood imagination and curiosity. I started noticing the little things again: the beauty in nature, the changing seasons, a quiet morning, a kind word, or a moment of unexpected joy. I found myself asking questions and opening up to life’s mysteries instead of feeling the need to have everything figured out.

When Jesus spoke about becoming like little children, He wasn’t telling us to be immature or naïve. He was inviting us to embrace qualities like trust, humility, openness, and a willingness to receive.

Faith doesn’t have to be structured or conventional. It can be as free-spirited as a child’s imagination. It invites us to let go of our desire for control and trust the One who sees every intricate detail of our journey.

Having childlike faith doesn’t mean I never worry, question, or struggle to understand what God is doing. It simply means I’m learning that I don’t have to understand everything to trust. Sometimes, faith is about taking the next step, even when we can’t see the whole path ahead.

In a time marked by fear, division, and uncertainty, I find myself thinking about the next generation and the kind of world they will inherit.

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that wonder, curiosity, and hope are precious gifts worth holding onto. They can anchor us when life feels uncertain and help us stay open-hearted, even when the world around us feels anything but simple.

So, how can we help the next generation of children navigate the realities they will encounter without losing their natural sense of wonder, curiosity, and hope?

How do we create an environment where they can flourish without carrying the heavy burdens of fear and division?

And most importantly, how can we show them they can navigate a complicated world without letting it harden their hearts?

I don’t have all the answers, but I believe we can begin by creating a world where creativity is not only acknowledged but celebrated—where children and even adults are free to imagine, experiment, and express themselves in their uniqueness without fear of judgment.

We may not be able to shield children from every negative influence or division in the world. Yet we can offer something deeper and more lasting: a foundation built on kindness instead of hatred, compassion rather than judgment, and acceptance instead of conformity.

Children aren’t born with hatred. They come into the world full of wonder, enthusiasm, and a desire to explore. They are trusting and open; they possess qualities many of us gradually lose as we grow older.

This brings to mind an inspiring teaching from Jesus: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

In context, Jesus was responding to the disciples. In their human minds, they tried to protect Jesus from distractions by preventing people from bringing their children to Him. They may have believed that the children would divert His attention from the profound teachings meant for adults. Yet by embracing children’s innocence and openness, we find a deeper connection to His message.

The truth is, Jesus didn’t view the children’s interruptions as a hindrance. He joyfully welcomed them because of their innocence and purity.

I get that. My two youngest grandchildren burst with energy and inquisitiveness, bringing me immense joy as I watch them discover the world around them. Their excitement is contagious. They find delight in the simplest things, and seeing the world through their eyes reminds me how easily we adults can complicate what children grasp so genuinely.

I can vividly imagine them running toward Jesus with the same eager anticipation and trust they bring to every new experience, their hearts overflowing with innocence and wonder.

Reflecting on a time when my faith felt more rigid and structured, I recognize that I may have reacted like the disciples, believing certain occasions were too sacred or important to be interrupted with my grandchildren’s enthusiasm.

There’s something liberating about embracing childlike faith. It transcends boundaries and opens our eyes to the endless possibilities that lie beyond our current understanding.

I often compare life to a coloring book, where each blank page holds limitless potential.

Imagine a child sitting down with a new coloring book and a box of crayons. They don’t typically worry about whether the sky should be blue or if the grass should be green. They might color a tree purple, a dog orange, or draw a sun using every color in the box. 

And if the crayon slips outside the lines, they keep going. They don’t throw the picture away or assume they’ve ruined everything. They continue to color.

So, let me ask you: What kind of picture will you choose to create? Will you stay within the lines, follow the well-trodden path, or dare to step beyond the boundaries to create something that reflects your true self?

Both choices have their value, as each of us is crafted in the image of God, who cherishes our individuality. Yet often, when we venture beyond our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, we discover more of who we’re truly meant to be.

I encourage you to pick up your crayon.

Don’t be afraid of the blank page.

Don’t worry if your colors don’t look like everyone else’s.

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes.

And don’t hesitate to step beyond the lines when you feel inspired.

After all, this is your page to color. You don’t have to create a picture that looks like everyone else’s. Trust the One who gave you the crayons, embrace the colors that make you uniquely you, and allow Him to bring your picture to life in ways you never imagined.

Nurturing Our Love Fire: The Sacred Call to Self-Care

When we neglect self-care, something subtle begins to shift within us, like a faint flicker in our hearts.

At first, it might feel like tiredness, but over time, that weariness can deepen into a heavy emotional burden. We may find ourselves stepping back from the world—not only to recharge, but because we’re slowly losing the energy to connect with those around us

I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and deeply empathize with the vulnerable. This tenderness feels like a gift from God, allowing me to move through life with an open heart. It helps me recognize others’ suffering, respond with compassion, and reach out to those in need.

Yet there have been times when I’ve let my heart grow weary and depleted. I’ve poured my love into others, taken on burdens that were never mine to carry alone, and, in the process, neglected my own needs.

It’s an easy trap to fall into.

In the noble quest to care for others, we sometimes forget about our own well-being. The heart that gives so freely must also remember the importance of resting, breathing, and finding restoration.

Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself” reminds us that caring for others and caring for ourselves aren’t conflicting acts. They enhance one another.

He doesn’t want us to neglect the precious souls He created or to measure our worth by how much we give. Instead, He invites us to love from a place of wholeness, rooted in the abundance of His grace.

Still, many of us focus so intently on loving our neighbors that we overlook the sacred invitation in those same words: to extend compassion and grace toward ourselves.

This isn’t about pride or self-centredness. It’s about recognizing that God values the souls of both the giver and the receiver equally.

Rest isn’t a failure to serve.

It’s essential to cherishing the life God has given us.

So self-care isn’t selfish.

It’s necessary.

It’s one way we nurture our Love Fire.

Suppose we ignore our need for renewal. That fire gradually loses its warmth. Our love doesn’t vanish, but it becomes weary and cold. The flame of our passion begins to flicker and weaken. We keep giving and giving until our joy fades and there’s very little left to offer.

The Bible offers many examples of Jesus withdrawing to quiet places to pray and reconnect with the Father. He understood the importance of stepping away from the world’s demands.

Taking time to rest didn’t hinder His ability to serve others.

It prepared Him to do so.

This might be a lesson we all need to embrace.

Stepping back isn’t a sign of weakness. At times, it’s an act of wisdom.

We all face challenges that can make our inner flame flicker. Sometimes, we dim our Love Fire by overextending ourselves without receiving support in return. At other times, betrayal, disappointment, or broken trust can scorch the places where we once felt safe.

Whatever has caused our flame to fade, it still needs—and deserves—our attention.

One truth I keep coming back to is this: when our Love Fire grows dim, and darkness begins to close in, God meets us right there.

Not with judgment, but with compassion.

Not with condemnation, but with grace.

And not with distance, but with an invitation:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

If you’re feeling weary and your flame is flickering, I invite you to sit beside Christ’s Love Fire for a while.

You don’t have to fix everything.

You don’t have to keep pushing.

All you need to do is “Be Still.”

Allow yourself to soak in the warmth of His presence. Let His love cover you in those exhausting moments, gently reigniting the flames of hope and passion within you until your fire is rekindled.

When it’s time to step back into the world, it won’t be because you’ve discovered an endless reservoir of strength within yourself.

It will be because you’ve allowed yourself to be restored and to find balance within the giver-receiver cycle of wholeness God intended.

After all, our Love Fires can’t burn brightly without adding a log of self-care every so often.

The Wildflower: A life of Resilience

 If we take the time to appreciate nature’s quiet perseverance, we not only uncover profound wisdom but also develop a deeper, more poetic connection to human life.

Spring is just around the corner, and after a long, harsh winter, I eagerly anticipate the return of nature’s vibrant colours. In a world that often feels shrouded in darkness and cruelty, the arrival of spring brings a renewed sense of peace and hope—a powerful reminder of life’s resilience.

As the serene ecosystem awakens from its winter slumber, the landscape here in New Brunswick will soon be blooming with vibrant patches of hardy wildflowers, highlighted by our stunning provincial flower, the purple violet. These delicate blooms can transform even the most ordinary hiking trails, meandering along riverbanks and through meadows, into sacred and inspiring spaces.

The wildflowers start small and uncertain, swaying in the breeze, fragile and unsure of their ability to withstand the world around them. Every storm feels like a serious threat, with heavy rain, strong winds, and late frosts all seeming capable of wiping out their delicate existence.

And yet, despite these challenges, the storms eventually pass, as they always do, and the violets and other wildflower species continue to thrive. The wind becomes their constant companion, teaching them invaluable lessons: to bend without breaking, to weather each season with resilience and adaptability, and to bloom in unexpected places.

In many ways, we resemble wildflowers. We grow wherever life places us—often without choice or preparation—and sometimes in the most uncomfortable and uncertain conditions. We start small, learning to stand firm in a world that shifts beneath our feet. We weather storms we fear will break us, only to realize later that those storms have strengthened our stems for the journey ahead.

Reflecting on life through the lens of the wildflower's simplicity, I see parallels with my own journey. Wildflowers don't fret about how long it takes to bloom, nor do they compare their growth to that of others. They turn toward the sun, open themselves fully, and trust the process. Each wildflower exists exactly as it was meant to be, growing at its own pace and in its own way. When the time comes, they release their seeds, ensuring the patch continues to expand as spring arrives each year.  

In 2004, much like the wildflowers opening to the warm embrace of the morning sun, I turned my life toward the Son of God, opened my heart like petals, and basked in His light. He nourished my soul and planted a new seed within me, one that allowed me to flourish beyond the constraints of my past and embrace the fullness of life's possibilities.

Looking back, I can see how God has guided me through various seasons of change—some bright and joyful, others dark and challenging. Each experience has played a vital role in my blooming process. Each season carried its own unique purpose, and by fully embracing them, I’ve grown and evolved in ways I could never have imagined.

Just as wildflowers survive and continue to thrive through the changing seasons, our spiritual journey is shaped by the seasons of life. Every trial and challenge is a moment where God’s hand gently guides us, preparing us for the next step in our growth. Sometimes the process is messy. Sometimes it feels slow. However, every season is a part of human life.

Until our time here on Earth is over and we transition into God’s heavenly garden, may we continue to embrace each season with an open heart, trusting that, like the wildflowers, we are rooted in faith and hope. May our lives radiate beauty, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. And may we always strive to be a beacon of light for others, sowing the same seeds of love, resilience, and grace that God has so freely given us.

Have a blessed Easter. 

Rocking the Boat

I remember the time my siblings and I stole my older brother’s dory and rowed out to a little island off from our house. As we began our journey back, the wind picked up and started to blow us off course. “Row harder, row harder!” I shouted as we gripped the oars, straining every muscle while the waves rocked the boat and pushed us farther from the shoreline.

The experience was terrifying, and I shudder at the thought of it now. Thankfully, the dory didn’t capsize and eventually landed us in a protected cove on the other side of the main harbor. Boy, did we get scolded!

In a literal sense, I can relate to the fear and uncertainty of being in a rocking boat. Our actions led us into turbulent waters, yet, much like the spirit, the wind ultimately guided my siblings and me to safety. If the wind had blown us in the wrong direction, it could have swept us out to sea, and our naivety would have put us in great danger.

Figuratively speaking, “rocking the boat” refers to actions that cause conflict and disrupt calm. This is because many view conflict as negative and tend to avoid it at all costs. Conflict, however, when handled constructively, can have positive effects, leading to growth and transformation.

As a child, growing up in an environment filled with unhealthy conflict, I had to learn to keep the waters calm—to not “rock the boat,” so to speak.

Understanding the difference between constructive and destructive conflict has helped me to step out of my comfort zone. Although I’m no longer afraid to rock the boat today, I recognize from my experiences that an “I’m right, and you are wrong” mentality can very well tip the boat over.

Jesus rocked the boat by challenging the religious traditions and social norms of His time. He healed on the Sabbath, defying the restrictive interpretations of the law, and willingly engaged with outcasts and sinners. He prioritized divine law and love over the rigid, man-made rules and power structures that the Pharisees so coveted.

Jesus encouraged people to question their established beliefs and seek a deeper, more inclusive understanding of love and acceptance. His mission was to save all of humanity, and His actions often disrupted the status quo. Not only that, but He broke down barriers, advocated for the marginalized, and exemplified the courage to stand up for His beliefs, inspiring others to do the same.

Derick and I were deeply inspired by you, Burns Mosa. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. The kindness and warmth you extended to our family during a time when our faith was shaken gave us the hope we needed to maintain the peace of Christ in our lives.

Quispamsis United Church, where our family now attends, became “Open and Affirming” a few years ago, creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. This is especially important for my non-binary child, their spouse, and our three grandsons, as it allows them to experience love and acceptance within a church community. It also helps them heal from the scars of hatred they've unfortunately faced in both the secular and Christian worlds.

The church has become a source of enlightenment for us again. Our oldest grandson occasionally shares his musical talents with the congregation by playing the piano. Meanwhile, our youngest grandson, who is just five years old, brings smiles to everyone with his charming personality as he stands larger than life on stage, singing to us all.

Did Quispamsis United Church rock the boat by becoming “Open and Affirming?” Absolutely. Did they tip the boat over? Certainly not. The love of Christ is a safe harbor that transcends human understanding, embracing all believers and keeping our boat secure in the storms that inevitably accompany change.

Rocking the boat isn't something to be taken lightly. We must always remain mindful of Jesus’ message to love our neighbor as ourselves when challenging the status quo, because those who disagree with our faith path are also part of God’s fleet.

Furthermore, by showing respect and love for one another, I believe our paths will ultimately reunite on the common shore of Christ as we navigate our journeys to advance the Kingdom of God.

As we approach the Christmas season, I pray that the personal, political, and religious divides affecting families can be bridged, even if the boat is rocking slightly. We never want it to capsize and leave us adrift in a sea of regret.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6

Bottom line: Love must win the day, for if we lose sight of love, we close our listening ears and become no more than another clanging cymbal.

Merry Christmas.