This (little) woman is by far the cutest of the bunch. Though she is small and strange, she has influenced my life greatly. This little niece of mine has taught me much in her five years of life.
You can see a bit of this girl's big personality in these pictures. She is quirky and creative and just plain weird. She loves playing her ukulele, watching shows about vampire babysitters, and creating unique stories ands songs. Any time our family gets together, she has something new to talk about and share with her aunts, uncles and grandparents. This girl is truly entertaining.
As the oldest of the three grandkids, Ireland holds a special place with all of us. For the past five years, though, all I've heard is how similar this girl is to me. My mom and dad watch her, shaking their heads at the goofy words coming out of her mouth that resemble my own childhood creations. When the family is together, I can't count the times someone yells my name to get Ireland's attention. Ask any of them - it happens all the time. When she stands in front of you and jabbers off her "language", you see a bit of five year-old me. When she stubbornly refuses something asked of her, you see me. And when she talks to her animals or creates worlds with her toys, again, there is a bit of her Aunt Jess in those moments.
These are all observations I've heard from my family. I, obviously, cannot give great account for my childhood self. I was creative, yes, but not entirely self aware at five. I hear these comments about our similarities and our close connection, and I have to admit, I love it. I love having this little niece, this little friend to watch grow and watch explore life. Her parents are doing an amazing job raising her. They let her fully explore her growing interests and reason with them when she gets serious about something. They affirm her and encourage her, and I love watching this girl expand under their influence. Even at five, she is becoming someone incredible.
In the past five years of being Ireland's aunt, I've learned that young minds can understand so much. As I was thinking about this little girl today, I realized how perfect her view of the world is. It's not perfect because circumstances are so. It's simply the best way to look at life - with eyes that anticipate and observe everything. I've done a lot with my sister's family in the last few years, and Ireland tends to respond the same to most outings. She walks into a trip to the grocery store or the mall with the idea that something good is going to happen. She gets excited about seeing people - me, her Papa, Grandma, her baby cousin. Ireland never fails to expect something extraordinary. I've also noticed her little, watchful eyes. She sees everything, and she asks questions. Sometimes they're inappropriate and we hurry to shush her a bit before answering, but I love her desire to know. This perspective is not exclusive to Ireland, but she is the most personal example I have of living this way.
I don't live like Ireland very often. Most days, I go into a meeting or an errand with little to low expectations. Often times, I'm even pessimistic about the outcome. I don't live life in expectation and wonder. And I'm not very good at observing things. I often bypass people's emotions or needs because I haven't paused to see them. I don't ask questions enough.
Ireland is one of my favorite people. She, like many kids, reminds me of life before responsibility and burden. As I write this, I'm ashamed to say I've already lost a bit of the wonder of life God makes available. God, himself, inspires such awe and anticipation. What will he do next? How is he working in this world? It's not wonder Jesus called the children to him and told us to have faith like them. He saw the sincerity of their watchful, waiting hearts. I'm seeing it, too, and I want it more than ever.
Here's to asking more questions, seeing more, and expecting real good to come about.
