Emma is 3 years old.
Soon she will be 4 and she is fully aware of the pending celebration.
Much of the time, one might wonder if Emma is a 14 year old who is simply trapped inside a 3 year old frame.
To my left there’s a picture window.
The curtains are standing open.
Centered in front of the window, are two candle stands.
One measures approximately 24″–the another measures closer to 30″. Both of the candle stands sit on the floor.
Each stand is housing a slightly used, 4″ candle in rightful placement.
Until this moment I viewed the curtains and candle stands as an addition to the decor–for the use of creating ambience and style. I can imagine that was the original intent.
However, this morning, I see the these once ordinary niceties through a new lens.
Emma positions herself behind the 24″ candle stand.
The picture window becomes her backdrop.
The curtains frame her stage.
The candle-stand is a microphone stand
And the 4″ candle is of course, a microphone.
She carefully leans into the mic and begins to allow music to flow from her inner being.
It’s not ordinary singing, for Emma recognizes that she is the featured guest. She’s “on” so she “brings it!”
It is not a stretch for Emma to see life as a stage.
I heard one side of a phone conversation between Emma and her mamma while she was visiting her grandma. Her mom said, “You will either be coming home Thursday evening or Friday morning.” To which 3 year old Emma replied, “I choose Friday morning.”
I love that Emma recognizes she has a “vote” in her family.
She is not in charge for her momma responded with, “we will see what daddy says.” However, she did not attack Emma’s confidence nor did she give any indicators that her 3 year old voice did not matter.
Emma spoke her desires without a invitation.
It is clear she speaks with confidence.
And it is clear her parents are in the habit of listening without being driven by her desires. They will still do what is best for the family.
I like that for little Emma.
She is not in charge.
3 year olds do not have the life experience or broad thinking to be in charge of family decisions.
Emma recognizes, “she is with the family, they are not with her.”
Yet, she is allowed to feel safe, confident and valued.
This will help Emma.
I have gained valuable insight from Emma this morning.
I am glad I had the opportunity to be her audience before the day got too full of noise.
April 6, 2011 at 9:35 pm |
Nice post M. That confidence is something I have tried to instill in my children. I think God lets us have this confidence to speak our mind as well… so, prayer matters.