Welcome to
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

8115 State Highway Seven
St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Telephone: 952-938-5400

I was sitting in the dentist office t this morning and a young mother was reading to her son. She would be reading and he would ask “Why”. It was fascinating to listen and realize what a gift it is to see the world through the eyes of a child.

This is especially true for Sandy and me as we are going to see our Son and daughter-in-law this weekend along with our grandson Liam. In spending time with him, I had forgotten how different the world looks. We are amazed and curious, full of wonder and excitement as children. As we grow older we forget or perhaps it is even taken from us.

Mike Yaconelli, who was one of the best communicators I know, and who unfortunately was killed in an car accident a few years ago, wrote a book call “Dangerous Wonder”. He calls people who squelch our wonder, our excitement--dream stealers. I wonder if that has happen to us not only in life but in our faith.

Are you still surprise by faith in Jesus? If not, all that is left is dry and dead religion. Are you still moved by the mystery of the gospel? If not, all you have is dead doctrine and a set of rules. Are you still astonished by what God can do? If not, all you have is dead religion. Are you in awe of God? If not all, all you have is something out there that can’t relate to you.

Jesus said, “Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God”. What does this mean?

As I said above, kids are naturally curious and we attempt to answer their “whys”. Yaconelli says the answers aren’t as important as relationship. They know that they are safe and their questions are welcomed. Childlike faith is daring, reckless, bold, and aggressive. And I think most of all trusting. They trust that the one who loves them is bigger than their questions and until given reason not to trust, they fully give themselves.

Last time we visited I had the wonderful privilege to read to Liam and put him to bed. We read our three books and he asked his questions and pointed out the things he knew in the book. When we were done, I said it was time to go to sleep. He rolled over and put his hands on my arms, laid his head against me and went to sleep. I was overcome with a sense of caring and love. He knew his grandpa loved him and he was safe and content to fall asleep. As we laid there, I wondered if that is what God feels, when we simply trust him and fall asleep in his arms. That night Liam brought me into God’s presence in a way I hadn’t experience for awhile.

Remember when you fell in love? Wasn’t it wonderful and mysterious and exciting and freeing? Do you remember when you experienced the love of Jesus for the first time? Would you like to experience that again? It’s not easy, Too many of us have lived as “adults” for too long. We have trouble being wild and free and imaginative. We no longer run through puddles splashing and laughing. So what do we do?

Pray. It was easy as a kid. We just told God what we thought. One of my favorites was a prayer by Anita, age 11: Dear Jesus, I want to thank you for going up there on the Cross fro us every Good Fridays. You must be real happy when the weekend is over, thanks Anita. Kids know how important prayer is. We forget. Tell God.

Ask for help. Most kids have no trouble asking for help. They know when they can’t do something or that help is needed. We need each other.

Enjoy life. Jesus lived life with a passion. Can we do less?

I know this is article is messy and rambling. But isn’t that what it means to be a child. We explore and wonder and ask why.

Easter is soon here. Maybe this is the year you rediscover your childlike faith. Maybe you say yes to finding passion, curiosity, wonder, and grace.

Peace, Pastor “Pete”