This past week, I had the pleasure of having a backyard lunch meetup with some local bloggers, and one of them brought along her daughter (about 8-9 years old). I had met this little lass before, and knew she was smart as a whip, and full of conversation.

Although lots of adult-ish talk was going on around the table, I made some time to interact with this little sweetheart, and what I remember most is her bright and active eyes. Behind which, quite evidently, was a bright and active mind.

She liked to spell. I gave her the word “disintermediation.” She launched into an attempt to spell it and only missed one letter. She then went on to take a shot at the old standby, “antidisestablishementarianism.” And did great with that one, too! She couldn’t wait to trot out “tintinabulation” (look it up), which she had down cold. As Darth Vader would say, “Impressive!”

Which leads me to think about one of the greatest privileges and joys of parenting. Those bright eyes. Those curious minds. What was once just two cells not long ago is now absorbing and processing so much, at lightning speed (except if it’s homework…). Yes, it can be annoying at times - my 8-year old is peppering us with questions constantly when we’re just trying to watch something on the screen. But obsessive chatter aside, what an awesome experience it is to feed, and shape, and interact with a little mind. To look into eyes as they light up with comprehension. To realize that, as your own eyes and mind dim with age, you’re leaving behind another light who may well out-illuminate you.

That’s why we do this gig.