Other people’s kids (Nov 10 – Thanks)

My 6¾-yr-old neighbor (she’ll remind you of the “¾” if you forget) often pops in for a visit. We had a great conversation Sunday about her future plans. She said she wants to be a vegetarian when she grows up. We were surprised.

“A vegetarian? No meat?”

No, no, no. “I mean veterinarian.” A little different. :-) 

I’m thankful for her visits. But 6¾-yr-olds have lots of energy, and lots of needs, and I’m thankful that I don’t have to keep up with one full-time anymore.

I’ve fallen in love with a precious 1-yr-old at church. I love when she comes to me and lets me hold her. I remember my own single-mom days with a 1-yr-old at church. I was very thankful when someone offered to hold Morgan occasionally so I could listen and participate.

But with other people’s babies, as soon as they get fussy, I can hand them back to mom.

Same with the 6-month-old cutie in my extended family.
Happy? Stay with me.
Not happy? Let’s find mommy.

I have several friends who wanted to have children, but for one reason or another, have not seen that dream come true. No one else’s children can ever take the place of the ones they longed for.

But I’m thankful that everyone can at least have neighbors and church friends and cousins and co-workers who can share their children with the rest of us.

We need to love other people’s kids.
And other people’s kids need our love.
I’m thankful that’s how it goes.