I have heard it said that children are our most effective teachers, and I thought I understood what that meant… that they remind us to be curious and present and teach us patience.
But there’s more to it. Children do not yet know much of the history and muddle of the earth and it’s people. They can’t fathom hatred and wars, political injustices, inequality. They don’t understand manners and courtesies and little white lies. They are a gift of innocence, ours to open and be refreshed.
The most magical sound to my ears is my daughter’s laughter. When I hear it, especially the kind of hearty laughter where she just can’t stop, I think I know what pure joy is. I am stopped from whatever I am thinking and I only feel deep happiness. That she utterly abandons everything else but what she finds hilarious makes me marvel too. How far I have wandered from that purity!
Talking with her, snuggling with her, racing in the park, or putting her to bed at night… I treasure these experiences more now than ever before. I used to be annoyed, impatient, wanting to be elsewhere. But now I see the love that she is and I want to be near it. I want to tell her often how much I love her. I want to encourage her creativity and wonder and then follow along.
So, so true. And believe it or not, it’s even better when they are your grandchildren. I don’t know if it’s because I have a better sense now of what the important battles are, or more confidence knowing that my children survived me, my grandchildren will, too, or if it’s that I know this is my last chance to get it right. I DO know, it’s amazing, and I don’t take a moment of it for granted.
janet forrest recently posted…Cruise Photo Central
Janet, you say this so well. I hope I can experience being a grandparent some day.
This is so true and something I really, really, really trying to witness and record this year. I want to be present and soak up this innocence. And preserve it as long as possible! Thank you for the nudge.
Christie recently posted…It’s been a Long Month
You are most welcome, though it was as much to encourage myself as you to keep absorbing their energy and spark. I have been making myself put down my phone and play.
They are our greatest teachers – our children. And we should all learn to live thru the eyes of a child. Beautiful!
Thanks, Marcie. I love the photo of the little boy with the bubble on your site.
so glad 🙂
ann saylor recently posted…Valentine breakfast pancakes
Beautiful and so true, I love the laughter, curiousity and innocence of my kids. Thank for the reminder to step back and enjoy.
Julie recently posted…Wordless Wednesday
Thank you for stopping by and reading, Julie! I’m looking forward to another Wordless Wednesday post from you. 🙂
I am so glad you get it..Naomi…so many don’t until it’s to late…enjoy every moment.
Cheryl recently posted…Love Is In The Air….
simply beautiful and yes and amen in a big way to every morsel:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson recently posted…waterbreak winter…