""It is a rare privilege to watch the birth, growth, and first feeble struggles of a living mind; this privilege is mine." - Anne Sullivan
When, yesterday, I came across a photo of my grandson wearing my husband's hat years ago, I thought of growth.
Similiar to what Anne Sullivan said about her work guiding the growth of her blind and deaf student, Helen Keller, I find watching the growth of my twin grandchildren to be a profound experience, even though they do not have Helen Keller's limitations and challenges.
Actually I find myself in awe whenever I observe the growth of any child's capacity to think, to reason, and to use courage, compassion, love - all their inherent gifts.
A quote from The Talmud comes to mind:
"Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over and whispers, "Grow, grow."
May all the world's children hear their growth-guiding angel, I pray. And may we be good examples, good human guides, for the children. By our words and actions, may we teach them well.
No matter our age, we too are being urged to grow. I believe we are all being called to grow in consciousness and understanding, in compassion and love, and in wisdom so that we get better and better at getting along. Let's grow!
In love,
Charlene
THE ELEVENTH GIFT IS LOVE.
It will grow each time you give it away.
- from The Twelve Gifts of Birth, celebrating 20 years
