Hi to all my Forum Friends,
Over the years, Dory and I have often commented how young children and animals can sense when someone loves them. And, many times over the years, I have had small children, uncoached, just give me that special smile and that special look which says, "I recognize that you love children."
Once, somewhere on the East Coast, I was riding up an airport escalator and a mother holding a small child was on a parallel escalator also going up. They were slightly ahead of me, but when the child so obviously turned her head to smile at me, the mother turned around to see what was happening.
In Boston about fifteen years ago, I was having dinner in a restaurant. A couple with a small child was sitting at an adjacent table. The mom and dad appeared to be very straight back, no nonsense, type of young Yuppies. So, during their dinner, there was conversation, but no happiness, no laughter, not even a smile. Out of the clear blue sky, the young child looked over at me and gave me the biggest, warmest smile. But, it was short lived, for stern mom and dad quickly told her to eat and, although I could not hear them, I could imagine them saying, "Eat you food, and don't be doing foolish things like smiling."
Last Sunday I received a special honor. After our service and fellowship, Dory and our choir group were in the sanctuary practicing songs for our Easter Service. And, I was sitting toward the back, reading. Three of our smaller church members, cute little gals about 2- 3 years old, were playing and running around the sanctuary having fun. I was just enjoying watching them and enjoying their laughter and happiness.
Then one of them, our Youth Pastor's 2 year old daughter, walked up to me and very seriously told me, "I went poo!" When I stopped laughing, I took her to one of the ladies to handle the situation. Her dad, Pastor Alexei, told me, "She must have remembered when you gave a praise report for all the children in our church." But, I think it goes even deeper -- I believe she senses the love I have for all children.
All that is leading up to what happened this evening. About 7:00 PM, I walked to my local Target store to get a few things. As I was walking through the parking lot, a young couple came out of Kohls and was walking toward their car. The dad was holding his cute little blonde daughter, about 3 years old, and she had her head laying on his shoulder, looking back. As I walked across the driveway behind them, the little girl raised her head up, gave me the biggest smile, and told me, "You're handsome!"
The mom and dad looked back, and we all had a good laugh. Then we all went on our way.
I called Dory and told her, "I haven't lost it, honey! A cute blonde just told me I am handsome." Of course, then I had to tell Dory that the cute blonde was only about 3 years old.
Yes, look out Clint Eastwood, that little gal made my day. She made me smile inside, as well as laugh outside -- for this just proves what Dory and I have always said, "Small children and animals can sense when someone loves them" -- even when nothing is done to create a contact.
God loves us! And, to prove it, He gave us children and grandchildren -- and a whole world full of beautiful young kiddies just waiting to bless us with that smile that only a child can give, that special smile which says, "I know you love children. I can see it in your soul!"
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill