God Bless the Child

What is it about children that can make a grown man cry? Or a woman run back into a burning building to save her child? Yes, what is it about children?

My friend, Charlie has a large extended family. And it all began with two people falling in love. From their five children came an abundance of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I tell him all the time how lucky he is. I know it must have been difficult. I never was blessed with children so I don't know the hardships or sacrifices firsthand.

But I do know the longing and the feeling of being separate from the rest of the world somehow. Being barren has its own issues. Holidays and birthdays are different. Mother's Day comes without so much as a glance. And I have to say, being someone's Auntie Sally leaves a lot to be desired when all I have ever really wanted was to be someone's Mommy. But God had other plans. He is still revealing them to me day by day.

And yet, children hold a special place in my heart. They see things differently. And you really can't help but notice how truly magical the world can be when you are right down there on their level looking up. Everything is a wonder to behold. The possibilities are endless. There is nothing unattainable. Ask them if you don't believe me. They believe they can fly beyond the stars to bring back moonbeams.

So what happened to us as we became 'adults?' Where did our imaginations go? Exactly when did we become so cynical and untrusting? When people told us that our lives were limited and we were powerless, why did we believe them? Who was it to whom we gave all our power? What can we do now to try to once again experience that feeling of unlimited potential and utter happiness at just being alive?

A long, long time ago in a land far, far away I felt that feeling of knowing I was pure energy. It wasn't a fleeting moment. It was rather a state of being. There were things I hadn't learned yet. I hadn't learned to 'keep score' or to hold grudges. I didn't know that there was a difference between rich and poor. I could be happy doing most anything. I didn't need fancy toys. I could spend a whole day just flying a kite.

I believe God sends us messages. In our 'adult' world we are sometimes (most times) too busy to hear them or see them. But to me one of His clearest messages comes with the children He allows us to take care of and nurture. His message? "Dear humans, I haven't given up on you yet."

Charlie always says that grandchildren are God's reward for growing old. What a gift, huh? So when one of his daughters crafted the above page for her sister, I got all nostalgic and weepy (it's OK, I do that a lot). It spoke volumes to me about being happy with those who share your life. Dedication to family should be Number One priority in people's lives.

Charlie tells me that the recipient of this page, Connie, had five children of her own, just like he and his wife did. Not only did they have the same number of children, but the same division of gender, and in the same order. Girl, girl, girl, boy, girl. Coincidence? Sounds more like God incidents to me.

In a sometimes frightening world it is refreshing to me to see the pride and honor within a family. It is a living thank you back to God honoring Him for not having given up on us yet. And Connie... I wish you seven more! God Bless You All.