A Child’s Art

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 paint]. 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 grown-up self-reliance clashed 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 and love like children? Can we let go of worries and let the Father care for them? All these childlike traits reflect the deepest faith.

A parent loves a child’s art. God loves a childlike faith.