Kids, Can't Live Without Them

We can learn so much from kids about living life the way we were meant to live. One of the boys I nanny told me today that he had an extra pillow and blankets that he wasn't using and wanted me to have them to give to the guys in my house to use...(pending parental approval of course). I told him how thoughtful that was and that I'm proud of how he was being so giving. I then asked him why he wanted to do that? He said, "I just want them to get better." My heart melted at this 10 year old's huge heart for strangers he has never met nor was prompted to give to. 

This little exchange made me realize 2 things: 

First, if he can contribute, than we adults shouldn't have a reason not to. How many times do we make up excuses for our reasons not to give? This boy didn't have any questions whether the items would be used properly or where the organization was headed, or even discredit what his small gift could do. He just knew he wanted to help, and he did by simply releasing what was already in his hands.  Pure. Unaltered. Simple. It's not our job to dictate what is done with a gift after it's out of our hands. Our job is to give it, and it's up to them and God to use it wisely. 

Second, it reminds me that every little thing we do, be it word or deed, matters. I have discussed a bit about my sober house and what I'm doing with the boys I nanny, but really that's about all the exposure they have had. Yet, just the mere discussion of it stuck so deeply in that boy's heart that weeks later it was still on his mind and compelled him enough to want to do something about it. The point of this is we have the potential to light a fire or stomp it out simply by how we live day to day. What we love causes a chain reaction in others to love. Contrarily what we hate, causes a chain reaction in others to hate. Every day we affect our families, friends, and community, old and young. Maybe by just keeping that in the forefront of our minds we might think twice before we speak and act. We change our world whether we mean to or not. If only we could all love everyone (and that means every human being) with arms wide open like children. Again this child had no questions about age, race, their background, how many times they messed up, if they have a job, etc. He just wanted them to "be better". And shouldn't that be our goal with people? All we really just need to do is love them because that's what they need especially when they are at their weakest, lowest moments. In fact, in simplicity, isn't that what we all really seek? Be the change you want to see in the world. It starts with you.