Through the eyes of a child…

 I had the pleasure of watching my 17-month-old granddaughter Marley Elizabeth for a few days while her parents (my son and his new bride) were on their honeymoon. It was exhilarating and exhausting…a few moments of frustration but many more of delight, joy, love. I saw her blossom as she got used to being with “Mom mom” and “Pop pop,” becoming more “talkative,” cuddly, sweet, smiley and better behaved each day – even with the dog! We’ve never had her overnight before and we don’t see her that often so I’m sure she was a bit confused and overwhelmed at first…plus she was teething. But to see her eyes grow big when we went to the park to see the ducks and geese, or to hear her laugh when tickled, or watch her learn something new (I will take credit for teaching her the “head, shoulders, knees and toes” song!) or savor a yummy popsicle or be fearless (she definitely is when it comes to swimming!) or to be creative in play  made me realize that we do need to step outside our busy adult lives and experience the world through the eyes of a child once in a while to really appreciate all of God’s gifts. And as caregivers, have patience, tolerance, open arms and open hearts to what children can really teach us. That’s exactly what Jesus says in the Gospels.  “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. ^ But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.†And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” Lord, help us all as parents, grandparents, babysitters and caregivers of children remember to see through their eyes and know God truly appreciates our labors of love.