The Heart of a Child

How many of us like to receive presents? How many of us love to give them?

These were questions I posed to a class of third graders this past week. What I treasure about a child's heart is the tenderness for others and the innocent space that opens wide to everything life has to offer. How blessed I was to receive the privilege of seeing inside third-grade hearts as I shared my daughter, Christina's story, as well as my journey as an author. What better way to give to them than through my own heart where my ten-year-old daughter lives? When I asked them about their preference for giving or receiving gifts, their answers were priceless. No matter how old we are, it is the giving that fuels the fire within us. I further asked them how they would give to someone who is no longer here, as this has been my challenge for the past 16 years. How do I send my ten-year-old daughter gifts? How do I expound on all the feelings inside that I did not get the opportunity to share? The answers lie in my writing. Writing is a vehicle where anything is possible. My books are gifts to the world as each chapter is a package filled with life lessons to unwrap—packages sent to heaven where a mailbox never grows full. 

We all have a story! God created us uniquely in His image. May every child who heard my words on Friday be blessed. May they be inspired to share their voice and story with the world. I pray my voice and purpose live forever. Is there a mailbox in heaven? I invite you to read my books, open each package, and pray you will be beautifully filled. 

May God bless you and your story in this moment and always,

Celeste N. Bowers