Michael T. Hare

Two days ago, I made a post on Facebook, celebrating the day I started my first novel (also the day I wanted to be a writer). Deep in my soul, I knew I loved writing, and on January 20th, 2020, I made the decision to explore who I was through it.

Looking back five years later isn’t easy to do. I’ve grown a lot, and it’s sad for a number of reasons—nostalgia and such. But above all, I think I miss that unquenchable joy burning inside me. As a thirteen/fourteen-year-old, I wasn’t as privy to the doubt, skepticism, and worry I feel today. Why are these emotions stronger than before? The answer is simple.

Fear.

I’m afraid of running out of time, I’m afraid of adulthood, and I’m afraid of growing up.

This isn’t new to anyone. We all fear the implications of ‘becoming an adult.’ But what does that mean? How is ‘becoming an adult’ truly defined? Does it mean we leave behind the child in us—the little boy or girl who dreamed of adventures? Well, let’s ask Jesus.

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

In another translation, he said, “I want the little children to come to me, so never interfere with them when they want to come, for heaven’s kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these! Listen to this truth: No one will enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless he becomes like one of these!”

Little children have a greater hope than many of us dare to have, and so I lean on that. I hope like a child, even when the world tries to tell me it’s unrealistic. In a sense, the world is secretly trying to say Jesus himself isn’t realistic! We can’t think like that.

Yet whenever I feel down, I can turn to that verse and think to myself, “If Jesus tells me to do it, it must be possible. He tells me lots of things, all of which I’m capable of—why not this?” My heart wants to have hope like a child, and if Jesus says it’s possible, my heart rejoices.

When we become adults, we inevitably gain more responsibility—this is true. We start working, we get into relationships, and we become parents; these are some of the most commonly misinterpreted situations the world tries to label as ‘the end.’

“Appreciate the glory days, because marriage will be a ball and chain on your life.”

“Your kids will abandon you one day.”

“When you grow up, your life will be miserable.”

Sound familiar? Yeah, the world has a pattern—always focusing on how things die rather than how they flourish. The truth is, my friends, that all of these are lies. Each one has the potential to be beautiful—maybe even more beautiful than the former—but it’s our choice. Satan wants us to think we can’t control anything, that we’re simply debris floating around in a playground of maddness. But that’s his way of making us weak.

We choose how we respond, and we decide whether or not to let responsibility hurt our inner child. It doesn’t have to. Responsibility is a good thing; it means God has entrusted you with more in your life, not that you’ve gotta leave behind the hope and wonder he already gave you. Do not let the world influence or scare you. Look to Jesus, traveler, and he will tell you the truth. He always has, and he always will.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.

Best wishes,

Michael