I believe that children are our future. Treat them well, and let them lead the way. Let them know the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children's laughter, remind us how it used to be.
I am mildly impressed with myself that I remembered these lyrics off the top of my head. (Oh, Whitney Houston, I am sorry that it's been hard for you the past few years.)They not be correct, but I am faking knowing what I am doing these days, so I am not going to double check it. I do tend to believe with the lyrics. Anyone who knows me would have to guess that there would be a "This, I believe..." blog dedicated to kids. I do love them. Not going to lie. Can't deny it. There is a magnet in my heart that draws me to children. I would like to believe they are drawn to me, but sometimes I pounce on them before they have a chance to acknowledge their natural inclinations. That being said, I do think there is an unspoken communication that I share with children. It happens at the mall, at the grocery store, at the preschool, even when driving in the car. If a child and I catch each other's eyes, we lock in, and love each other, for just a moment. These are some of the most gratifying moments of my days.
I am not the sole proprietor of this unspoken language. I know many people who have the magnet that attracts children to them. I haven't decided if kids do this with everyone, and only a few communicate back. Or, is it that only a few adults stop to really see a child? Either way, it is a moment of pure delight and amazement. The connection of being seen and of seeing. I have to remind myself that we are all children, and are worthy and deserving of being seen. There are times when this unspoken language, this connection, transcends age. Older adults, who have seen the passage of time in all its ugliness and joy, they see like a child too. They know that what is before them is an opportunity that is fleeting.
Sometimes, I am so worried about what is to come and what has been, that I forget what is right here. I forget to stop and look into the eyes of the person right in front of me. I am worried that they will see who I truly am, I guess. Or, maybe I am afraid they will see who I was. Maybe, I am afraid that who I am becoming won't be enough or sufficient. For whatever reason, I divert my attention away from what is right in front of me, and I hide from myself and from those in front of me. Children, they don't avoid the present. They are fully engaged in the here, and the now. They want all that life has to offer, and often time so much more. It is a privilege to be intertwined with children because they represent the value and the importance of now. They bring you into the moment by the nature of their being incapable of moving forward without your attention and dedication.
So, too, I find older adults have the ability to live in the moment and appreciate the present in a way that I struggle to grasp. Perhaps it is because they have walked in my shoes and know that moments they let pass them by. Maybe, they recognize they can't go back, and they don't want to go forward without being seen. So they stand, fully present, hand outstretched, grasping my hand. They share the joy or the pain of this moment. In the moment, they validate the present and recognize the value of being right where they are, while they are there. I was at a prayer meeting service the other night and was able to see the faces of those who have come before me, being fully present in prayer for the here and now. It was a humbling experience. To know, these very people struggled with paying bills; raising kids; juggling family life, education, and work; and they were willing to pray for me and for the children who stood before them singing.
I tend to say that I remember kids' names very easily; but grown-ups, not so much. Once they are taller than me, I tend to forget very quickly. I will be praying for that to change. I want to validate each child; and we are all just children. We deserve to be seen, heard, and recognized for our unique abilities. I am thankful for the reminder I see in the eyes of those I meet and who catch my attention and glance for even a brief moment. Some have no idea the path ahead will lead them into places they never imagined and will be fearful to go. Some have seen the passing of time and are willing to pause briefly to shake a hand and nod in recognition of the present moment that brought us together. And, then there are you and I. We will struggle to stop, to glance, to stare into the eyes of those around us. Out of fear, misunderstanding, denial, and lack of awareness we will divert our attention elsewhere and avoid the moment at hand. But, be sure, there will be those moments that confront us with reality, truth and blessings that we can not deflect. We will stare into the eyes of a child, a friend, a co-worker, a parent, a grandparent, a clerk, a bagger, a teacher, a sister, or a brother, and we will be fully present to receive the validation of being seen.
This, I believe.
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