Children’s Day

Children’s Day

Today is International Children’s Day, so I thought I’d share some thoughts on children.

The children of the world are our future. They represent(ˌreprəˈzent) possibility, innocence(ˈinəsəns), and hope. The children of today will discover things about the world that we don’t yet know, and they will shape(SHāp) the direction of technology, art, and society. Their eyes, hands and minds will shape our world.

My own children have brought more joy and learning to my life than I ever could have imagined. They remind me of my youth, and help me find the youth that still resides(rəˈzīd) in me. I see how they learn and I am reminded how I learn. I see the world anew through their eyes.

Joe is five, and every moment is a story. His imagination overflows into every aspect(ˈaspekt) of his life. His curiosity about the world and his creativity in approaching it bring joy to each person he interacts with. Joe has taught me how to lose myself in play.

Alex is one, and he is brimming(brim) with excitement(ikˈsītmənt) as he learns something new each day. He squeals(skwēl) with satisfaction(ˌsadəsˈfakSH(ə)n) as he learns to stack(stak) blocks, open drawers(ˈdrô(ə)r), and use every piece(pēs) of furniture(ˈfərniCHər) at home to walk and climb(klīm). Alex has taught me to find delight in simple things.

Our children are our future. We watch them grow. We smile as we see who they have become today, and we feel a tinge(tinj) of grief(grēf) as we realize that we will never meet again the child we knew from yesterday.