WONDERFUL

December 28, Thursday, Feast of the Holy Innocents
Daily Readings: First reading:1John 1: 5 – 2: 2; Gospel: Matthew 2: 13 - 18

On this day of the feast of the holy innocents, let us reflect on the question, ‘Are we child-like?’ Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18: 3).

John Bradshaw, an American psychologist, in his book Homecoming speaks of nine qualities of children. He presents them through the mnemonic: WONDERFUL: Wonder, Optimism, Naivete, Dependence, Emotional, Resilience Free play, Uniqueness and Love.

(a). WONDER: A child feels wonder with all his senses. This is a manifestation of every child’s innate need to know, to experiment, and to explore. Wonder and curiosity are crucial for normal growth and adaptation. Do I have these twin mindsets – wondering about, the world around me and having the curiosity to learn more?

(b). OPTIMISM: The child’s natural life spark pushes him to explore his surroundings in an optimistic manner. Children naturally believe that the world is friendly and loving. So they readily trust everybody, especially the mother and the significant others. Am I an optimistic person?

(c) NAIVETE: It is part of children’s charm and attraction; it is the core of their innocence. Am I innocent?

(d) DEPENDENCE : Children are dependent and needy by nature. A child cannot meet his needs by himself. They are vulnerable. Vulnerability is part of every human being. Do I accept it or cover it with a mask?

(e). EMOTIONS: Children are very good at expressing their emotions. Quite often, as adults, we repress our emotions, which leads to a host of psychic disorders. Do I express my emotions in a healthy way?

(f) RESILIENCE: Children are very resilient. The younger they are, the more resilient they are. We are aware of how a baby tries again and again to walk or stand, though it falls many times. Am I resilient in the face of misfortune?

(g). FREE PLAY: Children have a natural sense of freedom, and when they feel safe, they move with great spontaneity. These qualities—freedom and spontaneity—form the structure of play. Free play is the way a child transcends the repetition of mere habit, because imagination has a vital role in free play.

(h) UNIQUENESS: Every child is special,unique,e and wonderful. No one is exactly like him. Am I aware of my uniqueness

(i) LOVE: Children are naturally predisposed to love and affection. However, the child must first be loved before he can love.  A child’s healthy growth depends on someone loving  and accepting him unconditionally. When this need is met, the child’s energy of love is released so that he can love others. Am I loving?