By Ashley McIlwain

My sister, her daughter, and husband came to stay with us over Labor Day weekend. Together, we laughed, played, and made memories along the way. It was so much fun being together. One of the best parts though was having my 3 and ½ year old niece there. Seeing the world through her eyes made me realize how precious, important, and fleeting this life is.

As adults we tend to think we have all of the answers. We think we’re the ones doing the teaching, instructing, and guiding. While this is true most of the time, we can’t become so “high and mighty” that we close ourselves off to learning and growing. Truly life is one great learning experience with plenty of opportunities to refine, strengthen, and develop our character, skillset, and mindset. Spending time with my adorable little niece was just the opportunity I needed to learn some invaluable lessons.

Life is a Gift

Have you ever lost sight of the beauty of life? You get caught up in the negative quicksand that can so easily ensnare you and suck you into an abyss of despair, hopelessness, and complaining. Instead of focusing on what you do have, you are blinded by all the things you don’t have. Life isn’t a smorgasbord of opportunity but rather a field peppered with landmines.

As adults, it’s easy to allow our lives to become monotonous and lackluster displays of going through the motions. Being around my niece though reminded me of the “magic” of life. Her enthusiasm and vigor for life was contagious. It’s not that we did anything too grand, but it was just that living itself was a gift that she was making the most of. At bedtime she begged for “one more minute” as she wanted to squeeze out every last ounce of offering the day held.

Watching my niece, Victoria, relish life with such fervor inspired me. It reminded me that life is a gift from God, and I don’t want to squander it. There is so much beauty around us, and though we are dealt some tough hands at times, there’s always reason to give thanks to the Lord. Two verses come to mind:

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. –Psalm 119:24

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. –Ephesians 5:15-16

Children are Watching

Playing with my precious niece was so much fun! I loved entering into her world of imagination and creativity. As I stretched myself to create fun scenarios and games that Victoria and I could enjoy together, I observed how her little mind was like a sponge soaking up everything I did and said. She would repeat and imitate nearly everything I did, and like a mirror, she reflected the good and bad of who I was in such a short window of time.

My sister, Ricinda, and I discussed this together as I noted how much she is like her mom. Ricinda said how much of a responsibility it is to know that Victoria is watching her every move and picking up on her behaviors, interactions, and personality. As parents, there is no one more influential in the life of your child than you. What an awesome opportunity and responsibility all rolled up into one!

Your children are learning everything about life by watching you. How to treat a spouse, what marriage looks like, and what love means. What it means to be a follower of Christ. How to live with integrity. You name it, your kids are learning it all from you. And more than what you say; it’s what you do that they are imitating. What you are imparting on your children, good or bad, is the foundation their life will be built upon. That’s a great reminder when we are around our sweet and impressionable children: be cautious, intentional, and wise.

Children

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. –Proverbs 22:6

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. –Psalm 127:3

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. –Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Less is More

Since I don’t have kids, I also don’t have a lot of toys just lying around the house. Before Victoria arrived, I ran to the Dollar Store to grab a handful of basic toys to make sure she had something to occupy her, but there was nothing grand or glamorous about our humble stash. Despite that fact, Victoria played away. In fact, she didn’t even really need the toys we got her to keep her entertained and giggling. She used her imagination and childish wonder to create elaborate scenarios with little to no props.

As adults in a money-hungry world that tells us we need more “stuff” to make us happy and content, we easily miss out on the simple pleasures and joys of life. We have all been blessed with so much, most of which, we take for granted. I’m reminded of a story of a teacher who asked her students to list the 7 wonders of the world. One child composed the following list:

1. To See

2. To Hear

3. To Touch

4. To Taste

5. To Feel

6. To Laugh

7. And to Love.

Boy does that give perspective or what?! Being around my niece reminded me that less really is more. We don’t need more “stuff.” In fact, we need less, so that we aren’t distracted from the abundance of blessings in our life. Those simple treasures that make living possible.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. –James 1:17

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. –Psalm 107:1

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Spending time with my sweet, precious little niece was a blessing from God. Being around her joy, vigor, simplicity, and innocence made me think of Mark 10:14-16 where Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Adults spend their time raising children to be responsible adults, which is a good and necessary thing, but we can’t forget to allow those children to also teach us to be simple, wonder-filled beings who marvel at this precious life we’ve been given. To be awe-struck, joyful, excitable, and creative, enjoying life to the fullest.

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