Out of the Mouths of Babes

By G. E. Shuman

When I’m about to discuss certain subjects, I like to be aware of what manner of people will hear the discussion. I think that this is a wise thing to do. Such care has, likely, saved me many verbal confrontations, and possibly a few physical ones as well, over these many years. It may surprise you that not every single (or married) person in the world agrees with me on topics discussed on this page of the paper, although, of course, they should. Knowing this, and knowing also that it is impossible to ‘read’ readers’ minds, especially since I have never met most of you and only suppose that you are really out there, somewhere, I will proceed with some precautionary advice before continuing here. That is, if it is possible to proceed without continuing.
My advice is, if you are not inclined to listen to a short, true story of the simple faith in God of one of my very favorite people, that you should stop reading now. There is good reason for this advice. It is, simply, much easier for you to stop reading, than it is for me to erase what I have written, as I have already written it, and also happen to like it… like it or not. But, as earlier noted, you can simply stop here and move on to the classified pages if that would make you feel better. I am even willing to immediately assist you in that undertaking, if you feel strongly about it. (I like that word ‘undertaking’, especially at Halloween time. But that was last month.) Okay. Let’s go! I will count to three. Now be ready! One! Two! Three! Quick! Turn the page!

Hello? Are some of you still here? Even some of you in Montpelier?
I thank you all, and commend you for your bold curiosity. The people who turned the page and are now reading about someone’s used snow blower that is for sale, are a bit disappointing. But not you! Now, I will tell you my little story.
The fact is, there are all kinds of mentions of children, in the Bible. In one place Jesus tells his followers to let the little kids come to him, because little children are what they will find when they get to heaven. (That is in the book of Matthew, chapter 19, verse 14). In another place He actually says that unless people accept his kingdom as a little child does, they will never even get there at all. (Matthew 18:3.) If you don’t believe me, even though I have never admittedly lied to you, look the verses up.
This Biblical evidence is proof enough to me that God has a very high opinion of the opinions of little children. If I were to guess, and you know I will, I would say that He loves their simple, honest, trusting, happy way of thinking. It is not until they are older that some of them complicate things by becoming dishonest, distrusting and depressed.
The idea for this column came to me after reading a bit of wonderful wisdom from the youngest of the ten best grandchildren in the world. She is our beautiful granddaughter, Ayvah, and is only two years old. (I sent the paper a picture of her so you could see her. I hope they used it with this column, because grandparents have the right to brag if they want to.) The wisdom came as Ayvah chatted with her mom, our daughter, Cathy. Their short conversation took place as Ayvah was looking out a window. It went like this:
Ayvah: “Mommy, look! The sky is turning rainbow!” At that, her mom looked out the window too, to see a beautiful, pinkish-purplish-blue sunset-sky.
Ayvah’s mom: “Wow, Ayvah! God is a great artist, huh?”
Ayvah replied to her mom, as they looked out at the beautiful sunset: “He makes us happy!”

To me, there’s a spark of great insight into the mind of God, in the joyous comment of that innocent two-year-old. It occurs to me now that such sparks may be the ONLY insights we have into the mind of God.
One thing is for certain. I do, now, understand why “of such is the kingdom of heaven.” This precious child found happiness in the beauty of God’s creation that day, and even gave Him the credit for making her happy. Why, in the world, do not we all? “Out of the mouths of babes…”.

(I hope you’re glad you didn’t turn the page to read about the snow blower.)