Through the Eyes of A Child

Yesterday I attended the birthday party of a four year old little girl. I watched the sparkle in her eye. She was so engaged with the balloons, the cake and her presents. She was happy and giggled and would run on her tiptoes. I watched as she took little bites of icing, making it a moment – enjoying each and every bite.
As I looked around, the adults did not seem to have that same sparkle, the same enthusiasm. They did not taste the sweet magic of the icing nor did they seem to hold the same enthusiasm of just being a part of the celebration. They were there out of duty. For me it was a time of celebration and thanksgiving. For this precious little girl was four years earlier the chosen child of her parents. Four years ago was a divine moment that her life was changed from having no future, to having a wonderful future. She has been given the opportunity to become someone. As the party left as fast as it came, I was ever struck by this little girl’s embrace of life, of wonder and of joy. I am often reminded that each day is a blank canvas for us to paint our day on. What will your canvas look like today? Will you see the wonder of the morning – smile at the burst of the opportunity to twirl and dance as if no one watching? Or will you returned to your designated perch and just go through the motions of your routine responsibilities.

Where in life do we lose our enthusiasm and sparkle? Is there a rule that says – no more – you are now an adult? When was the last time you walked in the rain – or stomped in a mud puddle? Or just laughed until you just about wet yourself?
This same little girl was in my home during the holidays and I watched her as she allowed the branches of the Christmas tree to just tickle the tips of her fingers and she jumped and squealed with delight at making cookies. It was so contagious.
So as you look at your life and this new year, let me suggest you take a peek through the eyes of a child.

Go get you some finger paints and create a piece of Art. Enjoy it – smile and laugh.
Make yourself laugh at yourself. What have you stopped doing because you are just too prim and proper?

Twirl and dance – its ok – nobody has to see.