An Example in Selflessness

Friday, because it had been raining, I took my daycare kids to the gym to play until their parents arrived.  When we walked in, one of the other teachers was trying to open a large closet where we keep the trikes, balls, and other gym toys.  Probably 10-15 children, screaming for the "big bikes," were crowding around the door.  The teacher was able to subdue them just long enough to get the door open.  I walked over and did my best to help ration out the toys; the crowd began to disperse and play.  I noticed that the door, which normally closes itself if no one is holding it, was staying open. 

At the very back of the crowd stood a tiny little girl with a grin on her face, halfway hidden behind the door, holding it open with her sweet little hands.  Immediately I went over to her, picked her up, and leaned against the door to keep it open.  Hugging her tight, I whispered, "You are so sweet.  Oh, you are so sweet."  She grinned and rested her head on my shoulder, linking her arms around my neck.

At nearly 4 years old, she has lost someone very important in her life, but you wouldn't know it.  She has had to mature quickly, but she doesn't pity herself.  She hurts sometimes, but she is strong.  She is kind.  She is not a selfish child by any means, and that is a lesson for me.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus," -Philippians 2:3-5