Snack time...
Nap time...
Children have it made...and they could actually teach or remind adults about a thing or two. There is a reason why the Bible says that we are to humble ourselves and be like children (Matthew 18:3 ESV).
Children are born trusting...until someone teaches them otherwise.
Children are not born prejudice...until someone teaches them otherwise.
Children pretend to be superheros because their imagination knows no bounds...until someone teaches them otherwise.
Children think they can be or become anything they want...until someone teaches them otherwise.
Children question and possess a wonderment about everything, constantly asking "Why?"...until someone teaches them otherwise.
"Because" is our kryptonite. "What can't I become a _(fill in the blank with your own dream role)_?" "Because college is too expensive/too long/too hard to get into...Because that's the way we have always done it...Because being a _(fill in the blank with your heart's desired role)_ won't pay the bills/isn't realistic." Because...Because...Because...
Not only did we give up snack and nap times when we grew up but apparently we also gave up our sense of wonder, excitement, ability to dream, hope, imagine and sometimes even play. Perhaps that is why Christmas is such a beloved and anticipated holiday. (Being a Christian I know the real reason for the season, however, there is still a part of me...my inner child barely hanging on...who still gets really excited for Christmas morning, opening presents, the lights, the decorations and all that the holiday entails...if just for a moment, allowing that inner child out with a a sense of giddiness, wonder and merriment.)
What would happen if we questioned the status quo per se? If we started asking "Why?" again and stopped accepting "Because" as an acceptable answer? Milk and cookies are not so bad and neither is playing nice in the sandbox. Perhaps some of life's and the world's current issues could be solved by remembering and implementing the lessons we learned in kindergarten...
All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum
Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
