An Image From My Childhood

Today's picture hangs on the wall in my mom's spare bedroom, and it has always been one of my favorite pictures from my childhood years. There I was, sitting cross-legged in my shiny new cowboy boots, grinning from ear-to-ear. It's easy to see that I was enjoying life.

Like most young kids, I was happy - still untouched by the problems of the world and life in general. And also like most kids, I couldn't wait to become a teenager - then I couldn't wait to get out of high school. Like most kids, I simply couldn't wait to grow up.

Like most kids, I thought that adults had all the freedom they wanted - the freedom to do as they please, go where they pleased, and do whatever they wanted to do. Well, I eventually did grow up, but it didn't take long for me to realize that I had left behind the true freedom that goes along with being a kid - freedom from everyday worries. Most children don't have to worry about putting food on the table, paying bills or staying healthy. All of those things are taken care of. The only thing the average child really has to worry about is how to avoid boredom.

My beautiful granddaughter Olivia simply cannot wait to become a teenager. As it is with all kids, the mythical freedom of adulthood is very appealing to her. I keep telling her that I want her to stop being in such a hurry to get older - she'll have plenty of experience with that later. For now, I just want her to enjoy the true freedom and innocence of her childhood.

God wants kids to be kids, who, if all goes as planned, later grow up to become happy, well-adjusted adults. You only get one shot at being a kid, and once it is gone the only way to get it back it is to look at an old photograph and take a trip down memory lane...a trip that can never be as sweet as it was when the picture was taken.

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