K's Question

One of the things I appreciate most about my daughter is her inquisitive nature. K is compassionate and seems to be very 'in tune' emotionally to the matters beyond the surface of day to day affairs. Most remarkable for her age, however, is that it doesn't seem to overwhelm her. It simply is an insight she often has--and explores. One of my favorite expressions of hers is the mature-beyond-her 7-years "knowing" look she gives me when she pulls it all together.

The downside to this is the multitude of questions--some that I am not ready to explore with her quite yet. I do attempt to answer honestly at a level I feel is age-appropriate for her. Frankly, she wouldn't be satisfied with anything less.

So, I suppose it shouldn't really come as much of a surprise that the following conversation happened Sunday morning as we were getting ready for church.
"What's the meaning of Valentine's Day, Mama?"
"Love, sweetie. Valentine's Day is about love," I replied.
"No, not the part people talk about, the real meaning? What's it really about?"
I assume it was because we have talked Christmas and Easter in terms of the part people discuss versus the real Christian deeper meaning. Regardless of what prompted her train of thought, I realized two things: a) I need to do more research on St. Valentine's stat & b)K's deep thinking, hyper analytical Mama has ruined her for superficial party chat!

Seriously, as she skipped back out of the room I was left thinking about my girl. I love that at her age she is already going deeper, refusing to settle for what is on the surface, probing for what lies beneath...even if it is just about things like holidays and hurt feelings.

The truth is, most of us would be well served to be more like K. Before we react to the superficial circumstances of daily living, the outward signs, the moods and offhanded remarks of others--what would happen if we paused just for a moment and asked K's question: What is this really about?

The times when I do this, my responses are far more effective. I am kinder, more compassionate and the results are usually better in the long run.

I have said it before, but it bears repeating, I LOVE that I learn so much from the littlest people in my life.