Have you ever looked at a child and thought: Don’t grow up? Have you ever wanted to protect a child from the pains caused in our world? I have and I do. But I still know it’s foolish and unrealistic.
Children encompass something so beautiful and un-matched by the adults of our world: innocence. Whether you’re holding a month-old baby or playing at the park with a 2-year old little girl, you witness the innocence. A baby smiles when they recognize a familiar face. A toddler’s hesitation rarely exists when he wants to adventure through something new. And a little girl’s imaginary school room could get you thinking it’s as good as Harvard. These precious moments make me smile and wish we all had more innocence.
Before we worried about stock options and retirement plans, we learned to share a toy and make a friend. Before we experienced temptations like alcohol and lust, life gave us an imagination and questions. Before experiencing heartbreak and loss, life allowed us to experience dependence and acceptance.
A mother’s love for her child surpasses most definitions of love you hear today. Like the love from our creator- it’s agape love and astounding love that words cannot bring justice to. As a child grows, parents learn to let go and allow the child to learn life’s lessons on their own. However, that doesn’t make it any easier for a mother to hope her little boy hangs on to his child-like courage and explorative nature. For a father to look at his little girl and hope that she always loves so full-heartedly and keeps her sense of humor.
Children under the age of 5 account for 9 percent of today’s US population. We may not have the chance to protect or guard them from all of life’s obstacles but we can make a difference. Let’s lead by example. Let’s remember what “really matters,” like sharing an idea or innovation, loving each other, making friends, telling the truth, and simply being kind to one another. When life gets hard and times feel tough, look at a child. Remember that their words and actions don’t have to be intellectual to be powerful.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up.”
-Pablo Picaso
-Pablo Picaso
