Children are honest. They will tell you what they think, and very rarely do they play mind games and try to make you feel better, or do something because it is expected of them. They understand the rules - but anything done beyond that, usually depends on their own opinions. This is why when they think you look beautiful, they'll tell you. And when they don't think your outfit is so great that day, they will tell you and proceed to try and fix it. I of course, speak from experience. If they are upset with another child, they will make sure we know about it. If they think they've done a really good job on something, they will make sure we acknowledge that. If they don't understand, they ask 'why'. They are not afraid of being different. They are not afraid of doing what they want.
The older we get - the less honest we become. We develop filters and fears. I am not saying this is a bad thing - but in this case, I rejoice in this unfiltered honesty.
One of our second graders became a Christian on Friday night. He is fairly new to our school and is living with his aunt and uncle because his mother is working in Bangkok. His aunt and uncle are Christians and have been doing devotions with him every night. On Friday night he was talking with his uncle about how some of his friends at school are Christians and some are Buddhist. His uncle talked with him about it and asked him 'Well, which do you want to be?' 'I want to be a Christian!'. And so, his uncle prayed with him.
He did this because he wanted to. He did this because he saw the hope and light that comes with salvation. Some may say he's too young, he doesn't understand. Yet, God says the complete opposite. He tells us to have child-like faith and let the children come to Him. He welcomes them with open arms.
I wish my faith was like the faith of this little boy. Honest and unfiltered. Without fear.
He is so full of joy and makes us laugh all the time. His noise effects are particularly famous amongst the teachers, and he has such a sweet heart.