Guarding Childhood

I think by now I have watched this video two dozen times. I am captivated by it. Each time I watch, I fix my attention on a different child, reaction, or comment I hadn't noticed before. I see smiles, wonder, curiosity. I hear giggles, sighs of wonder, squeals of excitement. I feel hope, happiness, and comfort. I delight in the power of a simple activity to catch the attention of children of an age span of over 12 years (longer, if you count the adults who were pretty interested, too).

Perhaps not by coincidence, I watched an interesting movie this weekend, the theme of which centered around guarding childhood. Though a somewhat simple and often silly show, I was struck by the profound message that there are those appointed to guard children's dreams, hopes, fun, and memories. Surely that is one of my greatest roles as a mother, particularly in this stage where my children are still so young. I don't know that I always do the best job of creating the gentlest haven for their innocence, and I know I could do so much more to cultivate their wonder and imaginations. But sometimes, like on the perfectly sunny day captured in this video, I get it right. And it is magical. It is amazing. It is a privilege.

I am coming to understand now why God glories in His role as a parent. He, the great Creator and source of hope, peace, and happiness, delights most in His children. And He shares that deep satisfaction with us as he allows us to become like Him; to become the parents who guard His children.

"For behold, this is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Moses 1:39