Through the Eyes of a Child

Written for GBE2 week #41 prompt - Simplicity

   
      What if we all could see the world through the 
       eyes of a child?  

      What would this world be like?

      Would it be a better place to live?

      Would we be happier?

      Take a moment and think about the above questions.   Then think about your children, or any children you know.

      Children are such open and honest creatures.  The world is not a complicated place to them.  They are brought into this world without any preconceived notions or beliefs and capable of the most loyal and unconditional love imaginable.  Take them home and care for them, feed them, clothe them, hold them and the love they will return will be like no other; no strings attached.  They don't look to see if your skin is the same color as theirs, nor do they stop and ask, "What's in it for me?"   

      As children grow older and start to school, they still believe that everyone can be their friend and all people are worthy of their time.  To them the whole class is one big happy group, regardless of race, religion or politics.  It's a simple equation as far as they are concerned - more friends = more fun.   And as for the rest of the world, it's all black and white to them...good or bad.  What a beautiful concept.  

      Unfortunately, children get a lot of their education from older siblings, neighbors and adults.  We know the world isn't as simple as it seems to our children.   We see the lines that divide us.  Everything can't be as black and white as kids think because we have to look at all those gray areas; all those layers that define good or bad.  Race, religion, politics, social status, job, etc., etc....all the things that we use to put up walls between us.   It doesn't take children long to pick up on this.  It doesn't take them long to lose that child-like innocence.   Children learn quickest when they learn by example.

      Okay, so maybe I'm being naive.  I know the world isn't going to suddenly start acting like children (although many already do, but not in a good way).  But I do think we could all learn a lesson from our children in getting along with others.  We are the ones who built the walls that divide us so we are the only ones who can tear them down.   How beautiful would this world be if we could love and accept others with the unconditional simplicity of a child?     

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat