Conner became my teacher. He was three years old.
I met him at lunch one day. In five minutes, he taught me things I never knew. Like - Bubble Guppies is both a game and a TV show. He seemed surprised that anybody on this planet didn’t know this, but it was news to me.
He also taught me that if the moon bear comes out while you’re camping, you don’t have to be afraid. If you give him s’mores, the moon bear will sing you a song and you’ll be safe. I never heard that before, but I’ll trust Conner on it because he seemed very wise about some important life principles.
For example, Conner believes he’s OK. He’s comfortable enough with himself to walk over to a stranger’s table (mine), have a seat, and say “Hi”. He could have told himself, “I’m just a kid; that man won’t like me.” Or, since I had books on my table, he might have thought, “I can’t even read. What do I know that would interest that man?” But Conner hasn’t yet learned self-doubt and negative self-talk. So, he feels good about who he is, even if he is just a kid and can’t read.
Conner also believes that people are good. He assumed that I would be nice because he assumes that everybody is. I hope it’s a long time before he gets hurt enough to lose that optimism about his fellow humans.
And Conner’s philosophy is that good things should be shared. He was excited at lunch because he was to watch a movie that evening with his dad. When I commented that sounded like fun, Conner quickly replied, “Would you like to come?”
Conner hasn’t learned that some might take advantage of you if you’re generous. Conner just believes that if you have something good, you share it with whomever you meet.
I think Jesus likes Conner. I think Conner is the kind of kid Jesus had in mind when he said, “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Luke 18:17).
So, I’m trying to learn from Conner – to be a little less jaded and cynical. To be a little more open and accepting of myself and others. And, to share anything good that God gives me.
Thanks, Conner! But, I’m still not sure about giving up the s’mores.