The Love of A Child

 

Despite the morning rush, which often includes me in a harried and impatient state, participating in the daily circus of getting everyone off to school and work, God sends me little messages to humble me; to remind me to be patient. To be loving. To be kind. To see the world through the eyes of a child. I was in the shower when Bob and Alekha left for school and work. And yes, I had done my usual share of corralling, harping, and threatening to get everyone moving out the door. This morning was no different than any other.

Many mornings Alekha comes to me and asks me to write her a note that she will carry around with her during the day, a reminder of how much I love her which she will proudly share with her other little girlfriends, (whose own mommies do their fair share of note writing as well). This morning I received this sweet, simple, selfless gift from my child; she asked for nothing in return. A note scribbled in crayon on the back of a used sheet of stickers, left on the kitchen counter for me to see in hopes that it would bring a smile to my face and warm my heart. In fact, it brought tears to my eyes. Children are the closest thing to God we will ever know.

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again, by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger-paint more, and point the fingers less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd teach less about the love of power, And more about the power of love.

 

Here is a quick card I created last night. The damask stamp is from Melissa Frances, as is the morning glory soap label. Flowers are from Making Memories, and the scalloped notebook sheet is also from Making Memories. Lots of ink and stitching. Rubon from Melissa Frances. More to share later this evening! Enjoy the rest of your day!

 

Comments

[Giselle]

Love you writing.. Stunning card.. you are such an inspiration.. :)

Giselle

[Sharon A. Kyser]

Your cards are gorgeous. That poem was excellent! Sure hit home & so true...Tks..sharon

[Dianne Hadaway]

Dear Ranjini,
I think that is your name, I found it on your website. I've visited your blog a few times but don't think I have posted a comment before. I just had to tell you that this beautiful post caught my eye and captured my heart. Today is my dear daughter's 15th birthday and I am so in love with her and so proud of her, she is adorable, sweet, loving, kind and so much fun. I feel so blessed that I have and that she has me. You see I lost my own mother just before my 15th birthday and some part of me has always held my breath just praying I'd still be here with my daughter when she turned this magical age. We made it!! So this little love note from your daughter, and the poem and your gorgeous birthday card all seemed an especially meaningful present to me and my daughter on this celebration day. I'm sure glad I was somehow led to your blog this morning to see this. You never know how importantly you might touch someone you don't even know when you chose to post such a poignant piece. Thank you for giving me the tone to take for our day today. Bless you. I love your sites and your work. Give your daughter a hug from a new friend for her inspiration.
Best,
Dianne Hadaway
Mama's Pocketbook

[Doris Sander]

what a precious preciosu moment. and gorgeous gorgeous card. :D

[Mandi]

Omgoodness. Precious note. :) I hope someday I have a child who writes me notes.

[Nerina]

WOW!!! your work is exquisite!!
Gorgeous and creative!!
That poem is now printed and I will try to adopt the spirit.
Thanks so much for sharing, your sites are so inspirational.
Hugs, Nerina :)

[Christie Bryant]

This is GORGEOUS!