Arriving at school, she bounds out of the car, like a desperate squirrel looking for a nut, and pauses only long enough to locate it. Galloping towards me, she wraps her tiny arms around my fluffy girth. Pulling back, there is always a pregnant pause, her eyes lock on mine and with the intensity of a lawyer, she asks, “What fabulous ting are YOU wearing today?” Try as I might, I have no facial management and a giggle escapes. Unlike other six-year-olds, she patiently waits for a “real” answer. Her sincerity seems to always take me off guard. Good grief, she is six! Reciprocating the question, she smiles like a cat who has caught a delicious mouse. Producing a fun accessory or item of clothing, I use the best descriptors I can muster to praise this fabulous item. Instantly, giggles overtake us. She hugs me and I twirl her around once. Gently landing her on her feet, she bolts off to class always yelling back, “Mrs. Olp, I think you’re fabulous!”
How does a six-year-old do this day after day? These interactions leave me inflated and full of joy, not because I have something fabulous on but because of who she is and her word choice! Here is my confession - every day I am learning from this little one how to encourage others with my words. We are told to build up one another. What if you and I each decided to focus just on one person everyday for a month with words that speak life, encouragement, and hope into them? I believe it would not just change them, but it would greatly impact our lives too. Will you join me in this?
Until We Chat Again,
Crystal
