Advice From a Child

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.

What my kids see are flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away.

What my kids see is someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can’t carry a tune, so I sit self-consciously and listen.

What my kids hear is the beat and move to it. They sing the words and if they don’t know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.

What my kids feel is they close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.

What my kids pray is “Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends.”

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.

What my kids see are dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from?

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