Through the Eyes of a Child

The innocence of children is refreshing.

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with my niece and nephew, which resulted in a trip to the local park.  We were in a section of the park where there was limited equipment that was a pinch too big for my 3 ½-year-old nephew.  Thus, we opted to move to a different section of the park that had more age-appropriate equipment.

There were several other children playing in the different section of the park, with their parents, guardians, or other adult dutifully watching from a distance.  As we adults stationed ourselves in various corners of the playground, the children played on the equipment staying in close proximity to their sibling, friend, etc.  As time progressed, they all began to congregate together and began to play store under the equipment.  There were two young female children (sisters) who initiated the game and the rest of the children agreed to participate – until they were one big happy group of children playing in harmony.

I inwardly smiled at the interaction, as the children – from various backgrounds – opted to make the most of their park experience.  Furthermore, this interaction occurred at a time when I needed a reminder about human nature, particularly the sentiment that if we are taught to love, then it is possible to unlearn hate.

The caveat to such is that the desire to unlearn hate is wanted, as there are those who cling to their feelings – which tend to be steeped in misinformation or misunderstanding; somewhere along the line the bias or hate was learned, perhaps even generationally within their own families.

As I considered the two young sisters who initiated the group-play at the park, it reminded me about the power of influence – both positively and negatively.  Those young sisters were completely comfortable talking with the other children at the park – regardless of differences – which is most likely a testament to their parents; the two sisters used their influence to positively promote peaceful play.  Then there are times when individuals use their influence negatively, resulting in disruptive play in the sandbox.

Notwithstanding, the whole interaction encouraged me to continue to seek, facilitate, and support things in life that promote respectful interactions with others, regardless of differences…even if I have to do so through the eyes of a child.