Olivia is my new little bestie as of the beginning of July at a family reunion. All because I just took a minute to chat with her. I really don't know what she saw in me, but she wouldn't leave my side! I chatted with her, shot a few hoops and just loved on her. By the way, she is my cousin Brenda's 10 (almost 11?) year old daughter.
We got to hang out a bit more at my cousin Abbie's bridal shower 2 weeks ago and wedding last night. My blue shoes matched her dress perfectly! She is such a goofy, precious little thing. I wish we lived closer. She lives in Winterset, about 2 1/2 or 3 hours from us.
I really love Jamie's beau, Derek's boys, Ryan and Collin. They are rambunctious yet sweet. They were crawling under the table and running around with all the other kids and as Ryan was passing behind my chair, I teased, "Do you know what happens to little boys who sneak behind my chair? They get TICKLED!" and I tickled him until he giggled senselessly. Shortly after, I was talking and did not notice that he was behind my chair again. He interrupted, "I'm sneaking!" Of course, I obliged! Since I hate being tickled so much, I would periodically stop and ask if he wanted me to stop, and he always replied "no!" Finally, since I kept asking and perhaps he was growing impatient or just wanted it clear, he shouted "never!" It was nothing profound or deep, but just some special moments with the little guy.
I wonder how many other little precious friends I would have if I only took a minute to notice. Just to encourage them, show them a little love. I was so amazed in the Dominican Republic how the kids just seemed to warm up to us so quickly, but I don't really know that they are as unique as I first thought. All kids just want to be loved. Just a little attention, to make them feel special.
Back at the family reunion in July just before we left, Hannah, Olivia and I were chatting. One of the girls mentioned how one guy had read the bible several times over and someone else asked him why. He responded that it was different every time, that there was always something new- a new perspective due to him being at a different point in his life or simply the Spirit helping him to understand something new. The girls spoke so knowingly about how God's word is "living" and it's always new, that it pierces your heart. It just warmed my heart so to hear them talk like that - such spiritual wisdom out of the mouths of babes! Truly, that is what Jesus meant when He said that unless we accept the kingdom of heaven like a little child we will never enter it.
I guess I needed a few little friends to get a little perspective :)
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