There is nothing in the world brighter than the smile of a child. When I came home from work yesterday three of my grandchildren were playing in the yard while their grandfather was grilling the fish for dinner. I quickly changed clothes to join them outside, not doing anything in particular. It's amazing how fast that changed everything.
No longer was I dealing with the heavy stresses of a legal department for a big company with all of the attendant meetings and deadlines. I shed the trappings of corporate life as soon as I put on my shorts and tee shirt and walked into the child's playground. All I had to do was be willing to let go and step into the moment, into their world of carefree freedom, bugs, blades of grass, sticks, dog pooh, and hysterical laughter at almost anything.
Living in their moment means that all of life is now. It is beautiful, it is peaceful, it is immediate, and it is oh, so precious. You see into their eyes, their beautiful eyes. That means you see into their souls, their beautiful souls. There is nothing sweeter than when one climbs into a rickety lawn chair and proudly proclaims, "I sit by you, Nana." Then of course, the other one has to come throw him out of the chair and say, " I want to sit there by Nana." At which time you gently try to point out that Nana has two sides and there is another chair on the other side.
Above all, though, are the sweet, sweet smiles of each child. Will they ever know that I would walk a mile on my kness through broken glass just to see one of their smiles? It is truly the highlight of my day, a smile that can light up an entire universe. I am not limiting my treasure trove of smiles to only these three grandchildren -- it's all of my grandchildren. I am truly blessed. Does it show? Can you see my smile?
