THE MORAL OF THE STORY:Encouragement from the mouths of babes

“Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.”— GEORGE M. ADAMS

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a few well-chosen words are priceless.

My husband, Jon, and I recently had the pleasure of taking a vacation with our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. We enjoyed our time immensely, and each time I look at the pictures, I replay the fun in my mind. I especially enjoyed playing with our granddaughters and watching their excitement as they experienced new things and learned new words.

You can carry on great conversations with 2 1/2 -year-old Mary and have delightful interactions with 11-month-old Aubrey. Already Aubrey has a clear way of saying “Thank you” whenever you give her something, and she tries to mimic her older sister Mary in many of the things she says and does. Mary of course mimics her parents in many of the things she says and does, which is a great reminder of how significantly we can affect other people. This is especially true in terms of encouragement.

Mary took swim lessons last summer, and I watched the continued benefits of the encouragement she received and internalized from her swim teacher and her parents as we swam together. During her first moments in the pool, she didn’t want to let go of us. She took some time pulling herself along the side of the pool, during which time she encouraged herself by saying, “I’m so brave. I’m so brave. I’m so brave.” And then she was ready to let go and swim on her own to us. Instead of saying, “Come closer” she began saying, “Go as far away as you can,” and she kicked her way to us with confidence.

Another time, I saw Mary pass on encouragement during a pretend interaction with a friend. Mary picked up my cellphone and said, “Hello, yes, you can come see us at the zoo.” Then she looked at me and said, “Cici, somebody wants to come to our zoo, is that OK?”

I told Mary that it was great.

Then Mary said: “Come at 36 o’clock, and now you need directions. Just turn right, turn your wheel, turn, like you do with your hands when you sing ‘the wheels on the bus go up and down, up and down, all though the town.’ You can do it, just try, try, try, good job, good job. Cici, now she wants you.”

At that, Mary gave me the phone, and I told her imaginary friend that we’d see her soon.

On our trip, Mary thanked me for sewing some clothes for her, and she told me that I did a good job. Her spontaneous thanks, compliment and hug around the neck were wonderful encouragement, and you can bet that I’ll sew more outfits for her.

One evening she and I walked outside, and I remarked on the beauty of the trees. Mary instantly said, “Thank you, God, for the beautiful trees, and thank you Cici for walking with me.” I thanked God too for his creative beauty and thanked her for her sweet words to me.

Mary obviously receives great encouragement in her life, which helps her try new things, and in turn, she passes on encouragement to others, including her little sister and even make-believe friends.

What great reminders to be more appreciative to God and more encouraging to others.

And you can quote me on that.