Charlie's Story: Keep It Simple

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Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

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Charlie was six years old. He had Mummy’s brown hair and Daddy’s blue eyes. He had just started ‘big boy school’ and Charlie loved every minute of it. Charlie had a little sister, Grace, she was three. Charlie loved Grace and was very protective of her – even Mummy and Daddy spent too much time with her sometimes! Charlie wasn't sure how old Mummy and Daddy were, but he knew that they were really old.

One day after school, Charlie, Grace and Mummy were playing with their toys, when Mummy got a phone call. Mummy got very upset and Charlie could hear her crying. He didn’t like it when Mummy was crying, and he wanted to make her feel better. So, Charlie went over to the set of drawers and got some paper. Charlie grabbed a crayon and in his neatest handwriting wrote; “I love you Mummy”. Underneath, he drew a picture of Daddy, Mummy, Charlie and Grace.

Charlie walked to Mummy, who was still crying and hugged her leg. “Mummy” he said looking up to her, “I made you this.” Mummy wiped her eyes and crouched down to Charlie.

“What’s this?” She asked, taking the piece of paper from Charlie’s hand.

“Mummy,” Charlie began, “It’s to make you feel better.” Mummy smiled.

“I love you too, little man!” she said. Charlie knew Mummy still wasn’t OK.

“What’s wrong?” Charlie asked. Mummy sat down and crossed her legs. Charlie did the same.

“Do you remember in Sunday School,” Mummy asked, “when you learned about going to be with Jesus in heaven?” Charlie nodded. “Well, Great-Grandma Edna has gone to be with Jesus.” Mummy started to cry again. A frown began to cross Charlie’s face.

“Why are you sad then Mummy,” Charlie asked. “Grandma Edna will be happy with Jesus”

Mummy looked up and said; “It’s just, we won’t see her again”

“But Mummy,” Charlie said, “we will see Grandma Edna again, when we go to be with Jesus”

As the years passed, and Charlie grew up, there were many times that he too missed having Great-Grandma Edna around, but Charlie was sure in the knowledge, that Great-Grandma Edna would be having the time of her life with Jesus, and even though there were days that he struggled, Charlie couldn’t wait for the day when they would all be reunited.

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As we see in Charlie's story, having a simple faith can help us get through the tough times that we face in life. In the Bible, we see Jesus rebuking the disciples for not letting the children come to Him, and instead calls them to Him, as the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Sometimes, we let our faith grow into something it is not. We can allow ourselves to think that because of our faith we have all the answers when in fact, we don't. Our pride, and ego can help to hide the truth we are told and sometimes we can forget the simple truths of our faith.

I am not saying that we are not allowed to grieve, not allowed to doubt and have tough times. I am not saying that we are not allowed to search for more answers, after all, this whole blog is based on aspiring for more; but it is in the way we go about these things that show who we are. If we search, do it from a base of truth. If we grieve, recognise it as a earthly 'human' feeling and be sure of what is to come. When you keep it simple, a whole world of understanding unlocks itself. Always remember that through it all, He died for you. He lives for you. He has great plans for you. He will hold you fast.

Reflect today: Do you have a simple faith? What is the foundation of your faith; simple truths or the need for answers? Might I suggest, that only by having a faith based on simple truths can you begin to unpack some of the answers you look for, but by merely searching for answers, you could end up losing yourself and your faith in the process. Are you keeping it simple - He's got your back.

Dear Lord,

Sometimes, we over-complicate things. We find reasons not to do things, we pick up on the tiniest details, we argue for no real reason. Today, I ask that you will help me to have the faith of a child and keep it simple.

Father, you know the pressures of this world more than anyone and so, I just ask that you will provide the shelter when the storm rages, the vision to see through the sandstorms, and the wisdom to know that no matter what we face, we are heading for you. Please give me the strength, I pray.

Amen