by Ruth Griffiths
A group of children, ages four to eight, were asked, “What does love mean?” Their answers are broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined:
“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.” — Billy, age 4
“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” — Karl, age 5
“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs.” — Chrissy, age 6
“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” — Terri, age 4
“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” — Emily, age 8
“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” — Bobby, age 7
“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” — Nikka, age 6
“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” — Tommy, age 6
“Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken.” — Elaine, age 6
“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” — Mary Ann, age 4
“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” — Jessica, age 8
I can’t find the source of this Internet posting about children’s wise words about love. During Advent, the season leading to Christmas, I have focused my columns on the themes hope, peace, joy and love. My Christmas wish is that you may find these gifts in your life.
