In the 1971 film, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, Willy Wonka launched a worldwide frenzy when he placed five golden tickets into his famous Wonka Bars. Each ticket gave the lucky finder a chance to tour the infamous chocolate factory and win a lifetime supply of chocolate. The five winners were children and as the day passed, they were repeatedly instructed: “Don’t do that!”, “You can’t have that”, “Be careful”, “Don’t touch that”. One by one, each of the children fell prey to their own greed. In the end, only one boy, Charlie Bucket, proved to have the virtuous heart that Wonka was looking for. In a scene near the end of the movie, Wonka unveiled his true plan: to find a suitable person to whom he could give the factory. Wonka was pleased to hear Charlie say that it was the most wonderful place in the whole world, and decided to leave his chocolatey inheritance to Charlie. Upon noting his confusion, Wonka explained that he couldn’t leave his treasured factory to a grownup because a grownup would want to do everything his own way. So he decided that he had to find a very honest, loving child to whom he could tell his most precious candy-making secrets. Willy Wonka needed a child that would respond in good faith and do as they were told because they had no preconceived notions of how it should be done.

God desires for us to look at Him through the same eyes of faith and love of children; to come to Him with a pure heart and a clear mind and no preconceived notion of the plans God has for us. Then when we’ve cultivated a trusting relationship with Him, God can share all of the secrets that has in store for us. Instead of looking through the lenses of our shortcomings, we can see His power working through every situation. Let’s take a step back and enjoy the wonder of the beauty around us. Slow down and trust God to take the lead. Allow God to change your perspective and help you become childlike.

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you have shown me time and time again that I can trust you to see me through any circumstance. Once again I come to you and ask that you fill me with a childlike faith to see what you see, and love how you love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Matthew 18:3 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.