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On my evening walk yesterday, I saw an unusual number of tiny tots between ages 2 and 5 playing.
A little 3 year old girl was driving her tricycle, holding on to mom’s hand. A stumbling young boy who couldn’t have been more than 2 was running around his front yard, playing catch with his dad. And few others were having fun in the playground.
With a little surprise, I noticed that every time, after passing them, I had a smile on my face!
Little children have that effect on most people. Maybe we see a little of our own past or dreams on those young, cheerful, carefree faces. Or maybe it’s just that a bit of their enthusiasm for life rubs off on us.
Some days back, I wrote a rather intimate post about how doctors die a little every day. Especially those of us who see young children combat deadly illnesses.
More than the disease itself, I suspect it is the sense of unfulfilled promise and prematurely crushed hope that hurts so deeply.
And maybe that’s why seeing healthy, happy children makes you so happy. It’s the sight and thought of potential and promise lying untapped, waiting to be unleashed on a world that relies upon them for existence and purpose.
The next time you feel down and sad, try going to an event put on by youngsters – a play, or drama, or even a school celebration. I have never failed to come back from attending one of my daughter’s school annual day events without feeling energized, inspired and committed.
Because in them, I see the future of my country, and by extension, the world.
And I want that future for my little ‘heart kids’ too.
Don’t you?
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Edit: Some people asked about the title of this post.
In Australia, I first heard this phrase in response to “How are you?”
“I’m happy as Larry!” would often come the cheerful reply.
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