“I love you”, the child said that with such conviction and glee that it made my day. When I am down and out, I can trust the children to brighten up my day with their antics and their sincerity. Schools are having teacher’s day celebration today and I am no teacher, but I guess, some of them see me as one. They are so excited to make us happy, to give a part of themselves… The child taught me what it means to love. When I scolded one class that day, I articulated how angry and sad I was with them, and the child with that bright gleaming eyes said “but I didn’t want to make you angry”. Within a second, the tears welled up in his eyes and he was all ready to show me the water works. If I say I love my maker, will I do things that will break His heart? If I love somebody, will I feel affected if that person is not in the best of moods? It will. And recently, I also learnt that because I love somebody, I will not say things that will put that will put him in a spot. Oh a side note, I did what a teacher should never do. I forgave the class the moment the boy showed me the water works. Disciplining cutie pies is not my forte. From the children, I also observed their willingness and ability to say things as it is. When someone says things that hurt them, they articulate that emotion, although sometimes I must say they need to learn regulation of emotions too. As an adult, I have grown to be an actor, and forgotten what it means to articulate that emotion. Even if I am hurting inside, I continue the dealings of the day, smiling, laughing, even saying and doing things that will create the impression that all is well and swell. The only thing that is swelling is my aching heart. Unlike children, we sometimes wonder if the compliments that we offer to someone else may give the bystanders the impression that we have a hidden agenda. Sigh, we were all taught to think and we end up thinking too much. I love you. In the midst of the bustle, they have no care about what is going to happen in the moment or the future. What is important is that they tell it as it is, there and then, like it is the most important thing. And yes, to them, loving someone, and telling the person that he/she loves you IS THAT important. And maybe, it is. When a child tells me that, I feel such warmth in my heart, and I go a little dizzy from that confession. Truth is, it made me day. It made me feel like I mattered to someone. The work feels easier, the walk gets lighter. Love is powerful. Love is beautiful. Love can feel magical. And there is one great love that conquered the cross, loved the unlovable, and is still waiting for His people to give their all to Him. Thank you kids <3