it amazes me how frequently i am reminded of simplicity through children. and last night, like a breath of fresh air, simplicity surrounded once more.
kenzie and i did chores together. read together. played games together. made dinner together.
and when i asked kenzie to be my helper among these tasks, she so gratefully assisted with a smile. upon completion of our night together, i thanked kenzie for her positive attitude, helping hands, and great manners. a note was left on the counter for mom to make sure she knew how much fun we had. words and affirmation that meant so much to her - they couldn't have been replaced with anything else of value.
a willingness to serve.
allowing others to go before herself.
a desire to be loved.
embracing a love that is extended.
from there i went to babysit for another family. we built forts and campfires out of pillows. a five year old boy taught me how to shoot a gun. and while he slept in the fort, i stayed awake shooting bears and coyotes from our camp grounds and snagged squirrels for breakfast.
we laughed.
we cried.
we played.
and at the end of our night together we gave high-fives and said 'thanks for playing!'
much as children love - they too desire to be loved. to play. to be held. seeing that within the children around me. seeing that within myself.
and wondering how different our interactions would be if we selflessly lived in light of this truth. everyone has a desire to be loved.
perhaps we can learn from the littlest ones.
last night was just that. and i left feeling as if i can breathe again.
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1 comment:
Aww. Breathe. Isn't that sweet? Aw. I like the snagging squirrels buddy. Even though I don't think you could ever kill a squirrel... Maybe for survival. You're a great little babysitter. You're like the hot commodity amongst moms all over the Cedar Valley.
"Have you had Savannah babysit for you yet?"
"No. Should I?"
"She's basically amazing. Here. Let me give you her number."
The good news? You're gettin PAID.
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