Sally Lloyd-Jones overheard a comment at New York’s famed Museum of Modern Art that spoke volumes.
While viewing a painting by Rothko (an abstract painter from the 20th century) the voice said, “My child could do that!”
There’s a central truth to that. Picasso observed, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”
Lloyd-Jones goes on to say:
The power of a child’s art is defined by what they can’t do–by their lack. They know they can’t do it. And as a result, their art is not about showing off skill or expertise. It’s coming from somewhere else. It’s all heart … A child is physically not able to master [pencil or paints]. They struggle to depict things–and every line has heart … The power of the art of a child comes not from their ability or their strength. It comes from their weakness, their not being able, their vulnerability.
Jesus knew that grownup self-reliance clashes with his kingdom. It is not the one who knows and has it all together. Instead, Jesus said mature faith is childlike faith.
“He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2–3)
Can we trust like a child and love like a child? Can we turn loose of worries and let the Father care for them? All the childlike traits reflect the deepest faith.
A parent loves a child’s art. God loves a childlike faith.
-Robert G. Taylor-
