Tis the season to be simple.

Today, in Adelaide's parent/tot group, we had the Christmas party. Ohhhhh yeah... you can imagine it. Lots of glitter, glue, stars, sparkles, songs, giggles, treats and group pictures.
I often wonder, would Christmas even happen without group pictures?
Much to my delight, everyone brought something delicious to add to the mix (one day I shall write about just how much I enjoy a proper potluck). It was super fun.

To be honest, I was going to write about our silly little Hardy Christmas traditions. Like how I draw up a wacky Christmas quiz for Mark every year and present him with it Christmas morn'. Or how we watch a crazy amount of classic holiday movies on Christmas Eve until we fall asleep.

So why am I still thinking about a little boy in the group who said to his mom the other night how he wished Addie was his sister? Not sure, really. It is obvious that this little tyke has seriously taken to our family. One of two twins, the other twin died shortly after birth. He is...well, he is just lovely that's all.

I sometimes think that everyone could really benefit from hanging out with littlies once a week or something. Does that sound ridiculous? Just an hour with some five-year-olds...it does me the world of good and brings me so much life. I wouldn't describe myself as a 'kid' person. I don't enjoy messy rooms or disorganization, I don't find it hilarious when my blouse has been coloured on, I dislike tantrums, and practically curl up in to the fetal position when a child picks their nose and eats it. IT KILLS ME just a little bit each time, I swear.

Check out the book of Matthew and you'll find something like this;
"At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?" For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom."

Really? As in SIMPLE, simple?
Not Complicated. Unassuming. Sincere. Unpretentious. Not artificial. Humble. Easy to understand. Mere. Bare. Unmistakable. Guileless.
These words look and sound good for some reason. Now that you mention it, I do kinda like the idea of being that sort of person.
Here's the dilemma: I was that person. I was a kid! Then I put away childish things and I grew up. THAT is a good thing, my friend. It sure is in many ways.
Still, I guess there are ways of being and things on the inside that you just don't have to grow out of. Like being humble, or being sincere. It is so easy to be that person with kids.
Oh, how they see right through you....

Again, in the Amplified Version:

And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me.

Would the world even go round if everyone subscribed to this? Hmm.

Now that Addie is in our lives, I think about verses and ideas like these a lot more.
I think I am starting to understand what Jesus was saying here, still only skimming the surface.
I bet Jesus made the best sandcastles, though...

Adelaide is no perfect little angel. She has grabbed things away from that boy I mentioned, sometimes accidently destroyed his craft or stepped on his foot - collided with him on the way to sit down for snack or outright ignored him...you get the idea. Still, he wants her to be his sister, apparently. She walks in every morning with a clean slate in his books.
Other than what to wear tomorrow, that's what I'm thinking about at the moment ;)