Lessons from a 3 year old

As any of you who have children, work with children, or are around children know, sometimes you learn profound lessons from them. Tonight was one of those nights for me.


This is Violet. She's 3. After being around her for a few minutes, the lucky ones get to see how much fun she has just living life...making up songs all the time, dancing around without a care in the world, running in circles begging people to chase her...the list goes on and on.

But tonight, I saw another part of Vi. The more serious side, that is wise beyond her years. Here's how it happened. Vi and I were hanging out, and I was putting my shampoo in travel sized bottles cause the huge bottles I have would take up WAY too much room:
Vi: Weesha, what is that?
Me: It's my shampoo. I need to put it in these bottles so it's easier to pack.
Vi: Why are you packing it?
Me: Well I'm going away for a few days. I'm going to a place called Romania.
Vi: Why are you going there?
Me: I'm gonna work with kids. Some of these kids don't have mommies or daddies like you do to take care of them.
Vi: So are you gonna go to their houses, Weesha?
Me: No, not all of these kids have their own house. Some of them live together in one big house.
Vi: But I have a house.
Me: Yes, you do. And you have a mommy and daddy who love you very much. But not all little kids are as blessed as you are. You should tell Jesus thank you that you have a mommy and daddy and a house to live in.

And without thinking twice about it, she bowed her little head, closed her eyes and prayed: Dear Jesus, thank you that I have a mommy and daddy who love me. And thank you that I have a house to live in, cause some kids don't. Amen.

What a precious moment to witness. And then I thought, how many times do I forget to be thankful for the simple things in life? For a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat? How many times do I just skip over giving thanks?

I urge you, like Violet, to right now thank God for the many blessings that he has bestowed upon your life, whatever they may be. Don't hesitate.