Children say the darndest things. And often what they say is so pure, so straight-forward, so honest, so to the point of it all... that it knocks my socks off.
Christmas brings up lots of discussions with grandchildren at our house. Jacob came over for a playdate and to spend the night. He was shocked to see our dining room table brimming with Christmas cards, personalized ornaments, and glitter. At first he closed his eyes and wanted to be sure if it was OK if he looked. I assured him it was. He then found a corner of the table to do an art project on. And that's when the conversation began.
"Nana", he said. "Yes honey" I said.
"Do you think you'll be on the naughty or nice list?"
We had been singing the Christmas song about :
"You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why" ...
"He's making a list and checking it twice. He's going to find out who's naughty or nice."
I told him, although suddenly not quite sure about it really, that I hoped I would be on the nice list.
He said he hoped he would be too, but he had really been thinking about it alot lately.
[Side note here...being a Nana and really hearing what my Grandchildren think, feel and believe is a sacred honor to me! These are golden moments, memory makers for me. I adore seeing who my sweet grandbabies REALLY are.]
Jacob then proceeded to tell me that he was really working on being nicer to everyone, even the "mean people".
I asked him what the "mean people" do and he said, "They hurt others because they are really sad inside because they don't have love in their hearts. Maybe if we are nice to them they'll be happier."
OK...I was speechless.
The end of a year is always an opportunity for self-reflection. It's an opportunity to set up new goals for 2008. Jacob's talk with me really opened my heart and started me thinking. How nice have I been to some of the "mean people" in my life? Oh, not that they set out to be mean. Maybe, they are just cross, or grumpy, or distant, or don't call any more. Maybe they are too hurt to do any of those things so I need to swallow my pride and call them...again? Maybe their tanks aren't full or they need more love? Maybe, just maybe, I am on someone's "mean people" list??
I want to step out of my comfort zone, even with the folks who may not respond positively.
How I am, and how I want to be, has nothing to do with how they behave.
Jesus is my role model for that. He was nice and kind even when people were really mean.
So thanks, Jacob, for the Christmas gift...a perfect reminder. Am I on the nice list or naughty list?
It's up to me!
God Bless! Love and hugs to all who read this! Linda
Christmas brings up lots of discussions with grandchildren at our house. Jacob came over for a playdate and to spend the night. He was shocked to see our dining room table brimming with Christmas cards, personalized ornaments, and glitter. At first he closed his eyes and wanted to be sure if it was OK if he looked. I assured him it was. He then found a corner of the table to do an art project on. And that's when the conversation began.
"Nana", he said. "Yes honey" I said.
"Do you think you'll be on the naughty or nice list?"
We had been singing the Christmas song about :
"You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why" ...
"He's making a list and checking it twice. He's going to find out who's naughty or nice."
I told him, although suddenly not quite sure about it really, that I hoped I would be on the nice list.
He said he hoped he would be too, but he had really been thinking about it alot lately.
[Side note here...being a Nana and really hearing what my Grandchildren think, feel and believe is a sacred honor to me! These are golden moments, memory makers for me. I adore seeing who my sweet grandbabies REALLY are.]
Jacob then proceeded to tell me that he was really working on being nicer to everyone, even the "mean people".
I asked him what the "mean people" do and he said, "They hurt others because they are really sad inside because they don't have love in their hearts. Maybe if we are nice to them they'll be happier."
OK...I was speechless.
The end of a year is always an opportunity for self-reflection. It's an opportunity to set up new goals for 2008. Jacob's talk with me really opened my heart and started me thinking. How nice have I been to some of the "mean people" in my life? Oh, not that they set out to be mean. Maybe, they are just cross, or grumpy, or distant, or don't call any more. Maybe they are too hurt to do any of those things so I need to swallow my pride and call them...again? Maybe their tanks aren't full or they need more love? Maybe, just maybe, I am on someone's "mean people" list??
I want to step out of my comfort zone, even with the folks who may not respond positively.
How I am, and how I want to be, has nothing to do with how they behave.
Jesus is my role model for that. He was nice and kind even when people were really mean.
So thanks, Jacob, for the Christmas gift...a perfect reminder. Am I on the nice list or naughty list?
It's up to me!
God Bless! Love and hugs to all who read this! Linda
4 comments:
I often learn the most important things from my little ones. I think that they are so open to God. I wish that I was more like that. I'm glad that you have the kind of relationship with them that they will have REAL conversations with you... that is a real honor.
Love you, me
I love this post... in so many ways. Thank you for sharing it with me. I really needed to read it this week. I love you so much!
XOXO
That's really nice that you got to go to Jacob's program! I love you all tons!
Priceless! Thanks for the reminder, Jacob!
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