There is something special
     about joy in a child.
Even when that joy
     may seem a bit wild!
To have a small part
     in a child having fun.
To hear them laugh
     as they play and run.
At least for the moment,
     they have no care.
Until one of their friends
     forgets they should share. 

They played in a bounce house
     and walked for some cake.
Sword fought with balloons,
     until they did break.
They ate lots of cookies
     and sugary snacks.
Even some popcorn,
     eaten out of the sacks.
No one was worried,
     it was a safe place.
The children lined up
     for a painted face! 

It was a reminder
     from each girl and boy.
When God’s love is in us,
     we should live with joy!
We all need some time
     in our busy life.
To put down the shield
     and avoid all the strife.
To hang out together
     and rest in the Son.
Set worries aside,
     and just have some fun. 

I know it sounds easy,
     but harder to do.
To let down my guard,
     enjoy being with you.
The longer we live,
     the more baggage we bring.
The weight of it all,
     makes it harder to sing.
God’s song becomes muffled
     when we fail to rest.
Then the message we share,
     really isn’t our best. 

So what can you do
     when joy seems to be lost?
Will you boldly seek it
     no matter the cost?
Will you see yourself clearly
     from God’s point of view?
And play like a child,
     as He watches you.
God longs for His children
     to feel safe and sound.
To know when they seek Him,
     He’ll always be found. 

Will I live my life fully,
     with my joy found in God?
And sing His praise loudly,
   even if I’m thought odd?
Will I feast on His goodness
     and incredible grace?
Will I give it my all
     as I finish this race?
I pray that we find it,
     that joy of a child.
And live boldly for God,
     even if we’re thought wild! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I spent the evening making balloon creations for the Michiana Christian School Fun Fair and Open House.  While my fingers may tell a different story from tying so many balloons, it was a great evening of watching pure joy in the lives of children.  It always amazes me to see children line up and patiently wait to have a balloon made into some basic creation (because I’m not all that good at it and am very limited in what I can make).  It didn’t matter that many would ask for something I couldn’t do — their face was filled with joy when I handed them what I could make.  As I continued to make these balloon creations and pray for the children who were coming to me, God put this poem in my mind.  He also began asking me about my level of contentment and joy.  Am I not only satisfied, but filled with joy at the gift that God does give me?  I pray that this poem encourages you to be filled with the joy of a child.

In prayer,
Tom