The responsiveness to life yields to fear and shame. It is possible, however, to reclaim a lost childhood. It is possible to change in ways that allow us to experience the wonder, the awe, the engagement in life that God intended for us in childhood. Jesus invites us to experience this kind of change. He invites us to become like little children.
Children are humble.
That is, there is a straightforward honesty about their feelings and needs. This humility makes childlike awe and engagement in life possible. It is a vulnerable, humble thing to be a child. Children get tired and need naps. Children need other people.