My husband Jonathan and I were fortunate to travel to Hawai’i (the Big Island) for our fortieth anniversary. One day, we went to the Volcanic National Park. The volcano had erupted seven hours before, spewing lava and remarkable rocks unofficially dubbed “baby earth” that lay strewn across the road. From various lookout points, we saw several billowing areas of smoke. The magnitude and magnificence of the place held us in awe.

There was one problem, though. It was raining, and raining hard. Our rain gear wasn’t adequate, but we decided that we wouldn’t be deterred. We hiked the trails and enjoyed the sights, all while it poured.

The adult part of me momentarily protested. Playing outside in the rain felt so childish. I could almost hear my parents scolding me. But we had traveled so far; it would be a shame to let dignity get in the way. So I shook off the “shoulds” and “oughts” of adulthood. Instead, I embraced a childlike attitude, eager to play and get soaked.

I had so much fun! My heart was filled with awe and wonder at God’s creation.

By the time we were finished, we were soaked to the skin, and we were soaked with joy.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3 NIV).

We adults should learn some lessons from little children. Besides their immaturity, they have qualities that we tend to lose as we grow older.

Little children don’t worry about what others think. Their playful imagination is charming. They dream and pretend, not held back by what is possible. Do we hesitate to pursue God’s call because we’re hindered by what others will think? Do we limit God by what we see as impossible?

Little children trust the adults around them. They easily ask for help when they need something or comfort when they’re scared or hurt. Do we flex our self-sufficiency muscles instead of admitting we need God’s help? Do we turn to other things or people to ease the pain in our hearts?

Little children are humble and eager to learn. They haven’t yet developed pride or ambition. They are eager to discover more about the world around them. How much do we depend on God and the plans He has for our lives? How vital is it for us to spend time in God’s Word? Do we rely on it as our daily bread?

Of course, children aren’t perfect, but they possess an innocence we too often lack.

Jesus lovingly invites us to become like little children as we trust and follow Him.

Let’s say yes, and then go and play in the rain!