Learning life through a child's eyes

I keep most of my children's art work. I keep them because they teach me a valuable lesson about life. If you ever pay close attention to a child then you will see what I am talking about.

Winter before last, we had a hail storm and the white, round balls saturated the yard like some nuclear snowball explosion. My children and I had plopped on the couch with hot chocolate to watch the mess.

My daughter was worried. She said: "What would happen if I went out there and ate one of them!" Of course she loves to eat snow balls too. My son looked at her with his bright eyes and said: "No sissy! You would die!" And all I could do was laugh at them.

It was one of those moments of humor between us that I cherish everyday. And everyday, I learn more about life in general because of memories like that one.

What children are is a massive lesson in disguise designed by God to teach us "elders" and "parent's" a lot about compassion.

In a child's mind, the world is a bigger place than we can imagine. The creatures are more mysterious, and the stories are filled to the brim with more action and suspense. Memories are vivid and packed with emotions that they take with them for the rest of their lives.

Instead of discouraging my kids to be something they are not, I encourage them with the talents I know they have and love them regardless of any mistakes or disobedience.

Having children has taught me to be more compassionate and understanding of other people's needs. Children naturally have a tendency to either draw people to them, or run then off. Believe me, I know.

But then I look back on my own life and realize that I was once a child too. I remember my deepest hurts and set backs. The disappointments in life that I felt were so important to me as a child.

Now, when my children get their feelings hurt or get disappointed, I remember how I felt as a child. It helps me relate to them better, because after all, I am a woman with feelings too.

In life, we stay busy day to day. The small moments we have with loved ones never last. But they do leave a lasting impression for the rest of our lives. My parent's still talk about certain things my kids have said that has made them laugh. They will never forget those memories.

Children are a blessing from God, and our heritage. Children have a way of helping to teach us compassion and patience every day. Even when we don't see it.