LESSONS CHILDREN BRING

Some of life’s greatest lessons need not come from educated adults or philosophy geniuses. Adults, because of humdrum trappings forget that the innocence of children can sprout seeds of encouragement and spirit into our everyday living. It’s amazing what lessons children can bring the diluted minds of so-called matured individuals. If we just observe and listen, we can be witnesses of the young minds’ portrayal of forgotten beauty of this life and the world we all live in.

What is Love? The Holy Bible, Mr. Webster and millions of other writers around the globe over the centuries have peeled what love is all about in all forms of literary writings there is-poems, short stories, films, novels, etc. Most of us are familiar with lines like “Love is the only thing that keeps me sane” by Sue Townsend, or “There is no power on earth that can withstand the power of love. By loving our enemies, we turn them into friends” by Stella Terrill Mann. They have all been said, or so we think.

How about the children? How do you think they define love? There are moments with children so beautiful and endearing; you know they cherish them for they know they feel loved. Like a hug a mother gives her child after coming back from school, that’s a gentle touch of love children will not exchange for anything. A ready sandwich and glass of juice on the table prepared by a big sister could mean the whole world to a young child. At present, you never know when an act of kindness will draw people together. With children, simple things could mean the biggest stuff toy or the best family vacation; all is love to them- however small, however ordinary.

Saying Sorry. In our imperfect world where each individual finds it difficult to acknowledge his flaws, more so apologize for a wrong thing said or done, we need to see through children’s easy way to say sorry or forgive an enemy. Do you realize that children are quick to utter the words: “I am sorry, can you forgive me?” In playful modes, children can calmly say, “Let’s forget what happened and play” with no dash of hatred or revenge. If this world will be perfect, each individual should come equipped with a forgiving mechanism that he can use to alleviate conflict, differences, discrimination and other forms of prejudices; like that of children. And confidently, this world will be a better place for you and me.

Enjoying small pleasures. Many adults are guilty of being slaves to technology and enticing pleasures like trips around the world, a top-of-the-line cell phone, and the newest collection of high-end bags. They don’t realize that the most satisfying moments are from collections from everyday life. Think of children’s average routine- waking up to kiss and greet everybody, eating what’s served on the breakfast table, saying no to an offer that he doesn’t like, agreeing to a friend’s invitation to play, going home before the sky hits dark and saying whatever thoughts he has in his mind. Children say and do things without cynicisms and they’re happy, which if adults will adapt will bring about new sparks of hope in this world. How many times have you woke up and left the house without forgetting to greet your parents? How many times have you complained why eggs were served to you at breakfast and not pancakes? Was there ever a time that you ever said YES to an offer you can’t stand? When was the last time you did not decline a friend’s invite for coffee because you’re too occupied? And with a nightlife you have, when was the first time you begged off to go to a party because you didn’t want your parents to stay up late waiting for you?

While it is true that adults cannot control the demands of the world for it progresses like we do, it is incontestable that there is banal wisdom in taking things one day at a time. It’s best to know the creation of a special moment and small pleasures. They don’t have to be extravagant at all. Like children, a slice of chocolate shared with friends will do and they can rejoice for it’s already a blessing.

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