Life Lessons Learned From a Two-Year-Old

Our 2-year-old granddaughter, Anna, adds sunshine to my life. Her memory astounds me. Her mental comprehension amazes me. Her antics make me laugh, and they’re giving me fodder for writing. Here’s one example.

Anna came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. When lunchtime rolled around, she nibbled and poked at her food for a few moments and then said, “I all done.” I knew she’d be hungry again shortly, so I encouraged her to take one more bite.

How did she respond? My precious wee grandbaby looked directly into my eyes and slapped her hands over her ears. She never said a word, but her actions spoke volumes. They also reminded me of my actions on a spiritual level. Maybe you can relate?

I don’t want to hear You, God

How many times has God tried to coax me to do something for my own good, but I’ve flatly refused to comply? I’ve simply slapped my hands over my ears because I didn’t want to hear what He said. For whatever reason, I’ve felt His Words were too restrictive. Too harsh. Too demanding. And so I’ve shut them out.

I need to hear You, God

In reality, His Words are meant to feed my soul. They’re exactly what I need to heed if I want God’s best.

Psalm 19:7-8 says, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.”

Look at the adjectives used to describe God’s words: perfect, trustworthy, right, clear. Now check out the effect they have on us when we listen up – they revive our soul, they make us wise, they bring us joy, and they give us insight for life.

Given this description and the positive effect, why, pray tell, would I refuse to heed? It’s simple. Because I think my way is better. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know how absurd that is.

Anna is only two, but she’s already taught her grandma a valuable life lesson.

“God, forgive me for the times I’ve slapped my hands over my ears because I didn’t want to hear what You were telling me. Change my heart, and help me live with my ears wide open to Your voice.”