Curiosity killed the cat. At least that’s what people told me when I was a kid. I was very curious, but I also took things literally and wondered for the life of me what the adults meant by that.
Did Curiosity Really Kill the Cat?
After all, curiosity wasn’t a weapon. How could it kill anybody? Now that I’m grown I understand what they meant, but is it really true? I mean, I guess curiosity could lead you into danger if you aren’t careful, but aren’t we supposed to be curious?
How can we learn anything if we just take in whatever is told us, never questioning but always submitting to those who are supposed to know best. Of course, as a child there are some things we need to accept, because our parents are responsible for taking care of us, making sure we are safe. Even then I think it is okay for a child to ask questions.
[bctt tweet=”Young children can often understand much more than we realize. There is a difference between asking questions and being rebellious.” username=”GaylWright”]
Be Patient with Children’s Curiosity
Would it be that hard to stop what we are doing for a minute, get down on their level and show children we are interested in hearing them?
We may not have time to give them a complete answer right then, but at least they will know we care. Sometimes they just want to be acknowledged and then we can take more time later to try to answer whatever it was they wanted to know.
Children are important to Jesus.
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.
He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
I had seven children so I know what it’s like to have them bombard me with questions, sometimes many at once. I’m sure I did not stop what I was doing every single time and give them the attention they needed. I know sometimes the interruptions would irritate me, and I didn’t speak very kindly.
For the most part, though, my husband and I encouraged our children to follow their curiosity by asking questions. We also tried to help them learn how to find out answers for themselves.
[bctt tweet=”How many times have adults or older kids squelched the curiosity of children by their indifference to their questions?” username=”GaylWright”]
I’m glad that God never tires of our questions as I wrote about in this post: Inquire: God Never Tires of Our Questions.
Have We Forgotten How to be Curious?
I wonder how many adults have forgotten how to be curious?
I believe every child is born with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Everything seems to hold a mystery.
Why do trees lose their leaves? What makes the snow fall? How high is the moon? Can I touch it? What makes those tracks in the snow? Why is the sky blue?
Curiosity With a Sense of Wonder
[bctt tweet=”What if we approached each day with anticipation the way a child does? Would we be able to see things a little differently?” username=”GaylWright”]
Would we learn to marvel at even small things and be grateful for the things we often take for granted?
Maybe if we did we would lose much of the tension and anxiety we often have as adults. There is more to life than meeting deadlines and constantly working. When I take time to notice things and be thankful, I often feel the tension falling away.
Imagine if we made this a normal every day practice…
It was easy to practice a sense of wonder while on vacation at the beach with my husband’s side of the family last week. After gazing at the photo, and using the online magnetic poetry kit, I wrote a haiku.
Sunset on the Beach
A bird rests at dusk
As bright sun shines on water
Beauty to behold
~gsw~
I am linking up with: #HeartEncouragement, #TellHisStory, #InspireMeMonday, #LMMLinkup
*******GIVEAWAY*******
********WINNERS ARE: MARY HILL, HEATHER MERTENS, IFEOMA SAMUEL********
(I also included those who commented on FB about this post.)
I have really enjoyed watercolor painting these past few months. It helps to give me a sense of wonder as I pay attention to details. And it’s extra special to me when I use one of my photographs for inspiration.
So, for a Valentine special, I thought it would be fun to offer a giveaway of one of my small paintings. They can be framed or cut and glued to cardstock to use as greeting cards.
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[bctt tweet=”All you have to do is comment on this post. I will leave the giveaway open through midnight Monday, February 17, 2020. I will choose 3 winners randomly. Each in order will be able to choose which painting they want.” username=”GaylWright”]
Here are the choices. They are all around the same size approximately 4″ x 6″:
Dear Gayl,
Oh, I love these thoughts that you have shared with us today! How often I quenched off that sense of wonder in the little children around me, but yet the Lord still stirred up that longing in them, and helped us all to see HIS beauty in new ways. Such precious memories rose up as I looked at the photo of your daughter with that flower. Oh, may I let Him bring that sense of wonder at His beauty even deeper now. May I open my eyes to see His gifts all around. And may I encourage the new young ones around me to express that wonder they see. Thank you for sharing your beautiful paintings in a giveaway! What a blessing. Blessings, love, and hugs to you my dear poet/sister/friend. xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you so much for your prayers and your continued support and encouragment. I thank God that we can encourage each other with understanding and inspirataion. Yes, I pray that He will help me to always have the sense of wonder as a child does. I don’t want to miss a thing! Blessings and love to you dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
It’s so true how curiosity has sometimes lost its importance, Gayl. It’s so sad when it’s nipped in the bud. I love Jesus’ example with children. Even as adults, curiosity helps us grow. And Jesus never tires of our questions, whether as children or adults. With you and Bettie, I also long to have that childlike sense of wonder. Your paintings are so beautiful! Love and blessings to you!
Yes, I’ve always loved Jesus’ example when He welcomed the children. Thank you so much for visiting and I’m glad you like the paintings, too. Blessings to you, dear Trudy! xo
Your artwork is beautiful, Gayl! Thank you for sharing it :). I love hearing my grandson exclaim, ‘Wook!’ (look) and watching the wonder on his face when he sees or experiences something new.
Thank you so much, Anita. Oh, aren’t grandchildren just so inspiring?! I love seeing the wonder on their faces…. Blessings to you! xo
Gayl: When I was growing up, adults would tell me, “If you don’t ask questions, you won’t learn anything,” I always tried to answer my son’s questions as best I could.
That’s great that you were encouraged to ask questions. My parents encouraged me but some adults in my life told me I was too inquisitive. I’m glad my kids asked questions and still do and I love how they are with their children. Thanks for visiting, Cecelia! Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl, curiosity makes science discoveries😂
My daughter does these experiments even when they look funny, I let her explore. The only worry “girl pack up after you are done😃
Thanks for the giveaway….well I’m oceans away, you may not worry about entering me for the draw ok.
Hugs
Ifeoma, yes, you are so right about curiosity. I love that your daughter is so curious! And I know what you mean about “packing up when she is done” because my kids were the same. I would love to enter your comment in the giveaway! It doesn’t matter if you are oceans away. 🙂 Thanks for visiting! Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo