It’s been a while since I’ve had such a physically active week but with Camp Gan Israel in full swing, I was drawn in and put to work. The truth is, I really do enjoy hearing all the singing and cheering and it’s really my pleasure to drive and chaperon trips (especially when they involve overnight camping and kayaking!). And it’s truly a joy to be interrupted by happy young voices joyfully singing Jewish songs while trying to speak on the phone!
Children are very sincere. Unlike adults, they experience very simple and pure emotions. The complicated intentions and interpretations that adults understand are beyond they’re scope. If something bothers them, they are upset. If they enjoy something, they’re happy. And they can go from happy to sad in one moment, all due to their simplicity and sincerity.
A child will marvel in fascination when they first experience a new innovation. They will spend hours trying to figure out how to solve a puzzle. There’s a special novelty associated with everything that they discover. Yet as adults, we tend to lack in precisely those areas of life. The fascination and novelty gives way for cynicism and skepticism.
As we grow, we develop in all areas. The body matures and so does our mind. But sometimes it’s healthy to revert back to our childlike state.
In the spirit of Camp Gan Israel, I encourage you to take a walk back in time to your childhood.
Let’s accept others unconditionally, just as a child does. Let’s marvel at the wonders of G-d’s creation, just as a child does and let’s pray wholeheartedly, just as a child does.
Sometimes our sophistication is a good thing, at other times we’re better served by being open, honest and sincere. Just like a child.