I want to grow up

"Why is being a kid so short and being a grown-up so long?" This gem from one of the young, a girl entering her teens, appeared in a newspaper. The thought appeals to many of us. A kid could conceivably think this way and, undoubtedly, many an adult looking back can appreciate the sentiment. Poets and would-be poets have sighed the same thought. By the time we're self-conscious enough to value the special joys of youth we're already by that very fact entering on that grown-up period which probably only seems so long to the child. The adult often feels it isn't all that long. But there are facets of childhood which it would be wonderful to retain even if we don't go all the way with Peter Pan: "I won't grow up." When Jesus tells us to become like little children the context suggests imitating them in their reliance on others, in particular on God, for everything. But with a somewhat freer approach we see other aspects of youth that it's a shame to lose. How about: more ready smiles, more willingness to be enthusiastic, to idealize others, to bring some joy or at least pleasantness to our work place.