A Gift From My Daughter

Daughter, I am learning a lot from your one-year-old ways. One of the most beautiful things about you is that you live in the moment. You are not worried about the future and you do not dwell on the past. You are fully present in the present.Your only concern is to explore and have joy and find wonder in the world.

You want to give your stuffed kitty a bath. I say kitties do not like water. I know that when things get wet they get messy and then have to take time to dry. I worry that if your kitty gets wet, the electronic music box inside her won't work anymore. But you do not know about these things and you do not worry about these things. You just want to give your kitty a bath.

You don't worry about how you look. You don't doubt your worth or wonder if you matter--I don't think anything to the contrary has even occurred to you. You don't judge yourself when you look in the mirror. You are simply delighted by the fact that you have eyes and ears, wispy hairs on the top of your head, and a belly button. You are fascinated with the way your body can move. You are still learning how to jump; when you bend you knees and come up quickly on your toes maybe you think you are doing it. The task consumes you for that moment.

You do not judge others. Although you often cling to my leg when you meet someone new, you do not look at them and assign them a value based on their clothes, their beauty, or their age. You don't have a guess at how much money they make or what religion they are. You don't see people as popular or unpopular, cool or weird. There are no odd ducks in your pond.

There are so many things you don't even know exist: money, death, politics, war, disease, and sin. You have absolutely no clue about these things. Yes, childhood is a sweet gift from God. I know someday you will face the world in all its complexities. You will grow strong and smart and conquering. You will learn to intentionally find joy in exploring the world. You will get stronger by facing your fears. You will discover your true identity and believe in it. You will grow to love people unconditionally and withhold judgment. You may become like a child again, but never will it be so effortless as it is today.

So for now, my sweet girl, I will treasure you in your innocence, and relish in the gift of your childhood. For truly, it is a gift to me.

LDS Temple in San Diego, California