"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again.And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are?…
We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move.
Yes, you are a marvel and when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?"
~Pablo Casals
I like the above writing but I would add to it. Teaching children that they are a marvel is only a small step on the sacred journey of teaching them to understand WHOSE they are.
“You are a child of God.” It’s in my very first little book of quotes ever, a mere 3”x3” booklet, maybe 6 pages long, handwritten, decorated and taped together by my sister and given to me as a small token at 7 years of age. I memorized several verses out of it, but that was always my favorite. Even before I understood fully what it meant to be a child of God, I knew I was reading something important that meant I was special…to Him.
I wish every child could know that feeling.
6 comments:
Mary, I am 53 years old, and it seems as if I have always known who I am. My great-aunt sometimes took me with her to church. The sweet Sunday School teacher made me feel welcome and valued. I attended vacation bible school with friends, and loved the songs and activities.
As a 2nd grader, I memorized a little book I had, called "God's World," and even invented a melody for the last page, which read, "I'm glad God planned the world this way, and I'm glad as I can be that when He made this wondrous world, God even thought of me."
We must teach them whose they are, or another will seek to claim them.
Thanks for your beautiful blog.
Wee Gran
You are very welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment and even moreso for adding your own story to it. I love that you shared what you remembered of your own experience. I haven't heard "God's World" before but I will definitely add it to my quote books - it's lovely, no matter our age.
what a beautiful sketch you have there! how do you do it???
Yes, I agree that every child should be fully aware that they are unique and DIFFERENT. And that it's OK.
My uncle said the other day that we should stop comparing his kids to other kids. We should stop saying, "That girl has exactly the same smile like her sister's", etc.
I agree with my uncle. We should appreciate our individuality and uniqueness.
Thank you. I don't have as much time for sketching anymore, but it sure is relaxing and I had been wanting to do this one for awhile. I think your uncle is right about comparing. Isn't it wonderful that God saw fit to make us all different? Now there's a true creator!
This sketch is truly priceless, such a sweet and innocent little face--love the message, too.
Faye
Thanks so much, Faye. I hung onto this photo for so long wanting to draw it. It was a special day.
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