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In the Eyes of a Child: Exploring Faith Through a Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast

  • kaylavonlintel
  • Jan 29, 2024
  • 2 min read


2 bowls of peanut butter oatmeal with sliced bananas, crushed walnuts,and cinnamon. Simply blessed sign on granite counter and jar of dried apricots, small green plant

As I sat down for breakfast with my 2-year-old son this morning, little did I know that a simple bowl of peanut butter oatmeal would become a profound lesson in perspective. Children have a unique way of seeing the world, and this morning's encounter at the breakfast table reminded me of the importance of approaching life with the innocence and simplicity of a child—a perspective that aligns with the "childlike faith" God calls us to have.

The Breakfast Spread:
I eagerly prepared a wholesome breakfast for my little one, featuring peanut butter oatmeal adorned with sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a handful of crushed walnuts. To my adult eyes, it looked like a delightful and nutritious feast. However, my son had a different opinion.

The Child's Perspective:
As I proudly presented the bowl to my son, expecting him to dive into the delicious combination, he squinted his eyes, looked at the bananas and walnuts, and declared, "Yucky! Get out of here!" The innocence in his voice and the sincerity of his dislike for those particular ingredients were both amusing and eye-opening.



boy eating oatmeal at the table

Childlike Honesty:
Children, in their unfiltered honesty, have a way of expressing their preferences without reservation. It made me ponder how often we, as adults, may mask our true feelings or opinions in an attempt to conform to societal norms or expectations. In this simple breakfast scenario, my son's straightforward declaration encouraged me to embrace honesty in my own journey of faith.

Childlike Faith in Scripture:
The Bible encourages us to approach our relationship with God with a "childlike faith." In Matthew 18:3 (NIV), Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This verse challenges us to let go of the complexities and skepticism that can develop as we grow older and instead approach God with the trust, wonder, and simplicity of a child.

The Breakfast Table Parable:
Reflecting on my son's breakfast table declaration, I couldn't help but draw parallels to how we sometimes perceive God's plans for us. Just as my son dismissed certain elements of his breakfast without fully understanding their goodness, we may resist aspects of God's plan, questioning His wisdom. However, just as a parent knows what is best for their child, God's plans for us are ultimately for our well-being (Jeremiah 29:11).

Let's Remember:
As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, let us not forget the valuable lessons we can learn from the innocent and honest hearts of children. Embracing a "childlike faith" means approaching God with trust, openness, and a willingness to accept His plans even when they may seem puzzling. May our lives, like the simple breakfast interactions with my son, be a reminder of the beauty found in seeing the world through the eyes of a child.

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