Posted on July 23, 2012 - by Kim
Everything I Need To Know, I Learned From A Four-Year-Old
…and his sister, the one-year-old.
Now you may think it impossible. Then again, you don’t know my nephew and niece. They are, without a doubt, the two most intelligent children in the universe. Well, at least in my eyes they are.
Though neither has been in my life all that long, they have both taught lessons I would never have learned without them. How to love unconditionally. That you are never too old to get down in the floor to play. That it is socially acceptable to throw one’s arms open wide and come running to offer their favorite aunt a hug. That a lap will grow to accommodate two of their size. That my brother has, indeed, grown to be a fine man who loves them, his wife, and even his bossy, know-it-all older sister with all his heart.
They are the conglomeration of the best parts of my brother and sister-in-law, and even possess a healthy dose of their Aunt Kim in their genetic make-up and their developing personalities (Lord help the world at large). They are something pretty special, this Benjamin and this Robyn. They make me want to be an even better person. To love harder and laugh longer and live to a ripe old age, just to see what kind of children, they and their chosen ones will beget one day.
Right after Benjamin was born, a friend told me that while her children were her life, her nephew and niece were her heart. And she has never been more correct.
According to Isaiah 11:6 (NIV), “The wolf will live with the lamb; the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” And I have no doubt. Benjamin and Robyn will be leading that parade, with a very proud aunt walking beside them every step of the way.
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July 23, 2012
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Brenda Anderson said:
So true, Kim. As a mom I’m in awe of my kids’ wisdom and am amazed at how much they teach me. I’ve also got 28 nieces & nephews … Just think how much I’m learning!
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July 23, 2012
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Shari Barr said:
Great post, Kim. And so true. We really can learn so much from little kids. Thanks for sharing.
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July 23, 2012
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Kav said:
Not only is it wonderful that theses little ones are teaching you, but that you are open to learning from them! Lucky auntie!
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July 23, 2012
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Stacy said:
Lucky auntie, but also lucky Benjamin and lucky Robyn. We are blessed when we have parents who love us, but it’s an additional blessing to have extended family (like an Auntie Kim) throw an additional blanket of love over us. Both of my parents were only children, so I’m just a tad bit envious of Benjamin and Robyn, to have an aunt who adores them. Lovely post, Kim.
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July 23, 2012
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Dawn Ford said:
Children keep us full of wonder and hope. They keep us young and believing in the goodness of life.
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July 23, 2012
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Marianne said:
Remember, Kim, as they get abit older to tell your brother and sister that you won’t believe everything Benjamin and Robyn tell you if they don’t!
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July 24, 2012
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Regina Merrick said:
Ah, Kim, I’ve been hearing about these lovely children since they were born! I know they captured your heart from day one – or even before! Nieces and nephews are amazing. My oldest nephew turns 29 this year- he was 9 months old when we married, and was the “only” at the time. Now he has three very special kids of his own – and they own a little piece of my heart, too!
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July 24, 2012
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Lorna said:
Kim, I’m sure you are the best aunt ever! I know what you mean about nieces and nephews. Because my sister is nearly twelve years older than me, I even have four adult nephews and a niece. I’m so proud of them as parents and I love my grandnephews and nieces to pieces.