Children: Life’s Greatest Teachers
As parents, we are the tour guides who help our little blessings figure out this world. We impart knowledge, wisdom, values, social skills, academic skills, life skills and faith! We show them sights they haven’t seen and guide the path that they will soon learn to walk on their own. We are so busy with our daily routines and becoming their GPS systems that we often don’t realize that they are teaching and guiding us too!
Finding joy in the simple pleasures of life is something I have learned from my beautiful children. Ecclesiastes 9:7 encourages us to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, knowing that God delights in our joy. In the busyness of life, we often overlook the small moments that bring happiness — a heartfelt hug, time spent with friends, or an evening meal at the dining room table. Fortunately, children understand that joy can be found anywhere. I often take my children on nature walks and I get so much joy out of seeing the wonder and the awe that my children express. How many of us truly take time out of our busy schedules to notice some of the majestic parts of God’s Creation? Our little ones live in the moment, focusing on what God has set before them and appreciating everything before their little eyes. Let’s always remember to continue seeking the small pleasures of life!
Aside from noticing life’s simple pleasures, my children have taught me acceptance and tolerance. Children don’t see color, faults or flaws, they don’t judge and always have a friendly heart! Jesus Christ modeled the kind of tolerance He desired His followers to adopt and practice. He commands us to love each other how He has loved us. Children’s love is pure; they never think of what they will gain when they offer it. Their love is unconditional! Even on our hardest days, when we are moody, loud and exhausted, our children show us empathy and compassion. They demonstrate true forgiveness! The lessons of acceptance and tolerance my children have taught me are far greater than I ever expected!
It’s no wonder that Jesus said, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14) There truly is so much we can learn from our children!
Leiri Bocanegra was born in Villalba, Puerto Rico but now resides in Massachusetts with her Husband and four children. Leiri and her husband Gustavo met in their parish youth group, “Agape,” and have been serving together ever since! You can usually find them singing together at church events and retreats! Leiri works as the Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelization for St. Mary’s Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also has a nursing background in both Geriatrics and Pediatrics. She has been a member of the Holy Family Institute for six years and enjoys Family Ministry. Her biggest accomplishment has been becoming a mother. She enjoys being able to use social platforms to help other Catholic mothers connect and assist one another through the wonderful vocation of motherhood!
