Yesterday morning I joined the fun at the Starkville Community Market.. I volunteered at the Kids’ Activity Tent to assist sweet little ones with coloring while their parents worked or shopped for locally grown goods.
One thing I love about children..whatever they are thinking comes out without tact or precaution. I was really excited about the day and began to talk with another volunteer. We were just a talking, and one little brave soul lifted his head from his coloring book and said “You talk too much.” I’ll admit I was speechless for a second. I had to make sure I heard what he said, so I asked what he said and sure enough he repeated it. I was too tickled.
I then shifted my attention to helping the kids color. My new little friend asked me to color a page with him, so I did. He had quite a few questions for me. He quickly turned me into his assistant fetching rocks(what he referred to as fossils), climbing, and trying zucchini and squash. We had a fabulous time! Others were a little shy but soon warmed up to new faces.
I took away from the experience a few reminders:
1) Say what’s true to you. If it comes to mind, just say it. No sugarcoat, no puffery, just the plain truth.
2) Listen to children. They have a lot to say and you can definitely learn from them.
3) Be a good example. They mimic what they hear and see. Don’t be a negative influence.
The day was off to a great start!! I am looking forward to Saturdays to come to smell the distinct aroma of fresh turnips, seeing hissing cockroaches(caged of course), hearing the sweet sounds of local bands, and volunteering a little time to make a big difference.
PATH TO QUEENDOM 