GM

So, I was a church today, just sitting there before the worship service started. I feel eyes on me, so I turn to see a little girl staring at me. She's maybe three years old, with blond curly hair. So I look back at her. It doesn't faze her at all, and she keeps looking at me, until her curiosity is satisfied and she finds something else to do.

That's one of the things I find fascinating and appealing about children. Their lack of self-consciousness, and their frank curiosity. They're exploring the world and learning about people, and see no reason to feel embarrassed about it.

Oftentimes I'll spot adults looking at me. Typically, they immediately look away as if they were caught doing something wrong. Every once in a while, though, an adult will not act like that, will not immediately turn his eyes away, and give me a nod and/or smile. That I think is pretty cool. Admittedly, I don't like it when people rudely stare at me or act all judgmental, and I don't necessarily like the idea of being watched all the time, but on the other hand, it feels good when people acknowledge my existence and show interest in me.

Adults sometimes feign interest, either because they think they're "supposed to," or because they want something. Younger kids are not like that. With them, you know where you stand. If they want something, they'll tell you! (Over and over and over again! LOL) If they're occupied with their own stuff and not particularly interested in you, they won't pretend to be. But if they are interested in you, they don't hide it, and indeed see no reason to.

Peace.

Ceph