I Am…

“Hi. I’m Buzz Lightyear.” – Desmond (our two-year-old), to random strangers everywhere.

Early this morning my son-in-law posted this entry on Facebook.  Desmond is our two-year-old grandson and he’s not alone in his bold “I am” declarations.

Desmond joins the ranks of his cousins in glorious projections:

Graham – 3 years old and Batman to the core (albeit he’s never seen the movies).

Davey – 3 years old and a variable assortment of princesses, depending on the day, the opportunity and the attire.  In fact, Davey has been known to declare to me that she is – “all of the princesses at one time.”  (Worth noting, this includes – but is not limited to – Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and a few more that at this moment I have shamefully forgotten.)

Malia – 5 years old and Davey’s older sister, who was once a princess partner with her little sister, (perhaps even a mentor in this regard) – but who now shows flashes of more practical visions, like teacher, or pianist, or chef.

Tess – 1 year old and a willing accomplice to whatever her brother, Graham, requires her to be.

Naomi – 8 months old – who, like Tess, becomes an accomplice, specifically for Malia and Davey, but with far less volitional willfulness.

“I am” propels a young mind into heroic or elegant or noble or vital or strategic opportunities.  If not prophetic, it is highly wishful… at least at this point.

This too will fade.  The question is, should it?

“I am” was the language of Jesus.  In fact, the following examples make the point:

• John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life….”
• John 6:51 – “I am the living bread…”
• John 6:58 – “I am the true bread…”
• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world…”
• John 8:24 – “I Am he…”
• John 9:5 – “I am the light…”
• John 10:7 – “I am the door for the sheep”
• John 10:9 – “I am the door.
• John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd….”
• John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life….”
• John 12:46 – “I am the light that has come into the world…”
• John 13:19 –  “…. I Am he…” (the Messiah)
• John 14:6 –  “I am the way and the truth and the life….”
• John 15:1 – “I am the True Vine”

In fact, in the Gospel of John alone He uses the phrase over 40 times.  That makes the hopes and dreams and wild aspirations of children more than foolishness – it’s good practice.  Practice for us to repeat the pattern of Jesus.  Practice to live in the space that Jesus defined for us.

I am a child of the King.
I am light.
I am salt.
I am a lamb with a shepherd.
I am a member of the family of God.
I am a part of the body of Christ.
I am a part of the Church.
I am loved.
I am God’s masterpiece.

When and why did we stop?

Long after Batman, Cinderella, and the Little Mermaid are bygone interests, I am so grateful that Desmond, Graham, Davey, Malia, Tess and Naomi will have an identity.  Should I expect less?

I am…