I came across this almost 10 years ago & it left a permanent mark on my heart & mind. Not only is this an important message for parents, it is relevant for everyone. I hope you enjoy it & cherish it as much as I do. Pass it on!
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
(Written by a former child [aren't we all?])
A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and
doing as you do, not as you say.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the
refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned
that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me
and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there
is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a
friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of
each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to
help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something
should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and
everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your
responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would
have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I
learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be
everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I
need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,
"Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend) influence
the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?
