Is it Christmas, yet?
There’s just something about a child. They are not perfect. Neither are we. They have to be taught right from wrong, in order to be balanced as they grow. So do we. They need to know someone loves them unconditionally. This allows them to grow, and learn, and understand that even when they do wrong and are corrected, they are still absolutely loved.
A child is spontaneous. Eager. Curious. (Why?) Energetic. (Why?) Carefree! (But, mommy…WHY??) They run towards the puddles, and spin in circles with arms flung wide, in joyful abandon. They listen wide-eyed to a story, and allow tears to fall when feeling sad. They hug their friends, and are thrilled if they see someone they know. There are no color boundaries. No money boundaries. No style, or beauty, or talent boundaries. They give freely. They show their affection without hesitation, and love in the purest form-without judgement, or care of what others think. To see the world through the eyes of a child again would bring fresh perspective to one’s day.
“There is nothing on this earth that is more bright and more hopeful than a child.” #RICH #CHILD
There is little more precious than your own child’s arms thrown around your neck in a tight hug, little eyes gazing up at you in joy, or-no matter the happenings hours before-watching that peaceful face that’s captured your heart, sleeping sweetly at the end of the day. I have heard the same, regarding grandchildren. What joy children can bring!
I love the light in a child’s eyes when they suddenly understand something you’ve been explaining to them. The expression in their voice, as they read an unexpected line in a book. The way they stand with shoulders back, pride in their posture and a smile on their face- when recognized for a job well done. All of these good things seem wrapped with a bow during the season of Christmas. The expectation in a child’s eyes reflecting the lights on a Christmas tree makes every sacrifice to produce packages they will love that year, incredibly satisfying and worthwhile.
Note I mentioned packages-not what’s in them. As a child early on, the boxes and bows with which a thing is wrapped inevitably become the center of attention, soon after a gift is received. The focus seems to always be on-or quickly turned back to- the package. Why is that? The most important thing is on the inside. The thing they requested, and have been asking for is there. Why are they focusing on the package instead? Why not make the most use of the thing bought and paid for…for them? Of course we want the package to look nice, but the thing inside is what really counts.
The gift that is so carefully selected for just that child, is set aside now-with little notice. Maybe they can’t believe it’s really theirs. Perhaps it seems too hard to put together, or build. It comes with instructions, but maybe they are too immature to be able to read or understand them, yet. Maybe they are so distracted by the brightly colored wrapping, that what’s inside holds little charm. It’s like a doll that does EVERYTHING has been given, but the child simply doesn’t know it yet.
Isn’t that often how we act? “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 We have been designed to do amazing things, unlike any other! BUT… without asking the maker what makes us tick…how we work…what are we capable of doing…our gifts often lie silent. Our authentic qualities remain locked inside.
But, WAIT! The parent (pastor/teacher/coach/friend…) now comes over and begins to show the child what is possible. Begins to open the eyes of the doll, as it were, and help it begin to move, and work, and the personality of the doll begins to shine…which in turn causes the child’s own eyes to glow…which then puts an unstoppable smile on the face and heart of the one exposing the unique gifts.
I think everyday should be like Christmas! The anticipation, the expectation, the excitement…the glow of lights, the carols that bring a rush of joy…all the feelings that wrap a child in the love of Christmas…should be how we welcome every day. A child…and we…are a precious gift. Are we grateful? Filled with joy at what we’ve been given? Anticipating how we can use our gift this day, and share it with others?
Christmas comes every year…and the spirit of Christmas can be year ’round. Have you asked your maker what you can do? Have you taken the time to help another unwrap their gift? Parent, teacher, coach, and friend…all can play an important role in the gift-opening process. What’s under your tree?
#TheRichWay
Plus-sized faith today, 
Donnarae
