Me too. Now where have we heard those words before? Ah, in The Little Lutheran. This issue features kids who insist they're ready to do what others can do. "Me too! Me too!" "Take me along." "I can do it." Toddlers learn these phrases very quickly.

For all of the challenges that go along with their get-out-of-my-way energy, our toddlers' focused determination to not let life pass them by is an impressive force. When kids stretch from where they are to prove or learn something new, they seem oblivious to the doubts, confusion and limited thinking that can keep us adults from saying "Me too" about the next stage of life.

When did we stop being as sure as our toddlers that we could grasp the next rung of growth? At what age did we begin resisting or fearing what is hard or just beyond our current grasp? The next time you're at the playground with your little ones, be the keen observer. How do they stretch to the next step and progress to what big brother or sister is doing? I've noticed that kids aren't nearly as self-conscious as adults about trying things again and again until they learn them, even if they look awkward or ridiculous during the learning process. And, of course, they have us peeking around the corner, ready to keep them safe from the too-big leaps of "Me too."

We adults are not trying to climb the monkey bars, but we are trying to get on top of our fallibility so it doesn't deter or hurt our kids. "That's big of you" can be a measuring stick for adults to grow. Can we grow into larger generosity, forgiveness and trust-even if we look awkward as we learn? Deep within us good desires live on, the same desires our little ones display: wanting to be with others, to be alive and growing, to dare instead of doubt.

During this time of year, Lent, we get a chance to stretch into new ways of being with God. In addition to noticing how big our kids are or wondering how bighearted we can be, we have a chance to reflect on how big God is. Big enough to win over evil. Big enough to show that life is stronger than death.

Try this: Start using these two simple words with your toddlers: "God too!" Look at the stories in a children's Bible and say, "God too." Snuggle in for nighttime prayers and say, "God too." Point to churches when you're out driving and say, "God too."

Do you love sharing God with your kids? Me too.