Sunday, February 2, 2014

Kindness... Out of the Mouth of Babes

"There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go."
― Jean Paul

A friend of mine's daughter turned 11 last month.  This little girl is one of my favorite children.  She is intellectually curious, poised and wise beyond her years.  When my children and I realized that we had missed her birthday, we scheduled a celebratory pizza outing as quickly as possible.  When we picked her up, she said, "I was not expecting this at all."  As we walked toward the pizzeria, one of my children said, "I wanted to get you a big card, but my mom didn't let me."   The little girl responded, "Oh, I like smaller cards better."

I don't know how one raises such a kind child... Nature, nurture -- who knows.  She does have terrific parents who serve as role models.  But I marvel that in this era of snarkiness, back talk and sarcasm, an 11-year-old can manage to remain centered, be true to herself and exude kindness.  And to leave joy behind wherever she goes.

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