"A Little Child Shall Lead Them"

I've been a parent for 25 years. All four of my children are now adults and the journey of fatherhood has been an absolute wonderful experience filled with both blessings and challenges. Through my parenting and my efforts through The P.A.C.E. Fitness Foundation, I've aimed to be an example and lead both my children and kids on a global scale toward better health, goal setting, and pursuing dreams. I've had my moments of stumbling while trying to lead, and have fallen down a time or two along the way. However, over the years I've learned that there is actually a lot that can be gained by letting a child lead now and then.

In the Bible, at Isaiah chapter 11, verse 6, it reads: "A little child shall lead them." These are peculiar words in the perception of most parents, because we usually think of adults leading children, not children leading adults. However, God has intended that children not only learn from adults, but adults learn from children.

There are four qualities children possess that we, as adults, could certainly learn from.

• Children lead us in humility. Jesus says whoever shall humble himself as a little child is great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4). It has been said that humility is not thinking too little of one’s self. Humility is actually not thinking of one’s self.
• Children lead us in a forgiving spirit. Nothing displays a childlike attitude more than forgiveness. Generally, children don't hold grudges. Those who do, have been taught to do so by the example seen in older people.
• Children lead us in sincerity. A child is sincere. They tell it like it is without shading the facts. Sincerity leads us not to say one thing and mean another. There must be genuineness in all that we do.
• Children lead us in confiding trust. Children have great confidence in their parents. They believe that there isn’t anything their parents can’t do. Seeing the trusting heart of a child can help us examine our heart in trusting others.

There are other areas where we, as adults, can learn from children... such as being pure in mind and deed; being teachable; and, being faithful. My advice as a seasoned parent is this -- learn all of these qualities from your children when they're small. It will make all the difference in the world when they grow up and start imitating you.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past