The Gift of Innocence

Through my part time job with Kumon, which is a company that fosters independent learning and discipline, I interact with children that are three years and older. When I am working there, I feel happy not only because I am assisting in improving their education, but because they are still living in the moment without worrying about a future that may never happen. Their innocence is so real, always touching my heart in such a candid way.

By reviewing my previous jobs right after I closed my retail business, I realized they were not fulfilling me like this one is. Even though my role is to assist them in their learning process, I am grateful for everything I have and continue to receive from them. I can see how their authenticity senses through our energy if we are truthful with them or not. I have fallen in love with their personalities that are already taking form, expressing their unique ways of viewing their lives; and I count my blessings every time I am with them because I am able to observe how fear hasn’t touched them. Instead of going through life inhibited, like many of us are, they are not afraid to openly express themselves.

At Kumon, they know they get a reward if they finish their studies on time; therefore they joyfully work toward completing their exercises, trusting and learning that discipline always pays off. How many times have we failed to maintain consistency in our discipline because we easily get discouraged? Why can’t we have the faith of those little and beautiful minds that perceive the world with so much wonder? 

Regardless of my goals and expectations to become successful, I am learning that we achieve success when we become truly happy and in order to do that what really matters is living our lives with innocence and joy in our hearts like the young ones. Even though these children will not love you until they feel they can trust you, when they open themselves, their divine love is such a blessing that makes the Kumon staff feel so special.

With great gratitude for having this job, I can see how much I am learning about myself. When I am interacting with them, I am aware of my inner being telling me that I can be just like them. With the wisdom that I have gained throughout all my years, their innocence is one of the most precious gifts I have received. I even feel decades younger, embracing the little girl that lives within me.

As a mother of a teenager, I look back with nostalgia at those years when my daughter was so young and remember all those tender moments. Even though we may be their guardians, those little spirits could be incredible and powerful teachers, showing us that love can be find in the most simple ways, enriching ourselves with their pure energy.

Therefore, I've written these words to honor all the children in this world who have come to this life to express in their unique ways the magnificence of their spirits. By showing them that what really matters is love, we can guide them to find their inner selves, discover at a very early age their love within, and cherish the inner joy that will make them shine throughout their lives.