I’ve learned that babies never worry about what’s going on in the world. They aren’t worried about who will be the next president or who won the most Grammys.
They aren’t concerned with being fashionable or trendy when they go out. They may even prefer the birthday suit if given the option.
They don’t seem to care if their food isn’t prepared perfectly. They are just happy to be able to eat.
They aren’t worried about bills or when the next one will come. They just want to be held.
They won’t get mad if their favorite television show doesn’t come on this week. They will watch the same thing again.
They never wonder if they are making a difference in the world. They are. And they will.
They don’t worry about their job, or if people like them. They will smile at everyone.
They don’t need the nicest car. Just strap them in and let them ride.
They won’t spread gossip. They listen to everything you say and never repeat it.
They just need love.
I look at Jackson and realize his innocence. I know that as he grows he will lose some of it. He will learn to understand heartache, disappointment, worry, sadness, and everything else we don’t enjoy. But for now, there are times when I would love to be like him. To not have a single worry. To wake up every morning and smile without another care in the world.
Then I think, “Why not?”
Why can’t I wake up and smile. Why can’t I put important things like smiling at those who love me most above all of the other worries in the world. There are things to deal with, and problems that need fixing, but that’s no reason not to smile. If his smile makes my day so much better, maybe my smile, although nowhere near as cute, can help someone else.
So here is a smile 😃
That is for those who are sad, worried, heart broken, disappointed, angry, stressed, or just in need of a smile today.
Every day is not going to be perfect. Bad things happen. People will be mad at you. You will do something wrong. Make sure you find time to smile.
Thank you, Jackson, for teaching me a lesson that I hadn’t learned in almost 30 years.
Love you big.