Recently, I was helping out a friend with baby sitting her lovely daughter. We had beautiful time together, but please allow me to speak Chinese now, 带孩子真的很累！Although the girl was very nice, friendly and easy going, still I was so exhausted that I collapsed once I’ve got home and slept for at least 10 hours. Salute to all my friends who are parenting children.
However, when I think of the precious time with the girl, my tiredness fades away. It is like all my friends, despite struggling to take care of children still think every effort worth it. Despite lack of sleep, limited mobility, eating disorder, post maternal depression still love their children deeply and never had regret. Only unconditional love can be the definition.
It was really nice to experience this for a day. To me, it was rewarding to see her smile. Therefore, during that day, all my concentration was to make her happy. Like to read her favourite books, took her to pond to see the ducks and walk her into the woods for fresh air, to hold her in my arms when she did not want to be in her carriage.
Moreover, little children could be very inspiring too. One of many inspiring moments was the girl like to stretch her feet out of her baby carriage and this was the view from my perspective as I go for a walk with her.
This view, with her outstretched little feet in the grandeur of nature reminds me of a phrase and a poem:
You have set my feet in a spacious place.
Du stellst meine Füße auf weiten Raum.
Psalm 31:8
Wir sollen heiter Raum um Raum durchschreiten,
An keinem wie an einer Heimat hängen,
Der Weltgeist will nicht fesseln uns und Engen,
Er will uns Stuf’ um Stufe heben, weiten.
Excerpt from “Stufen” by Hermann Hesse
PS:
I received this poem “Stufen” as I started my new job. I give the poem to myself as I quit my job. If you have a German friend who is having a new life situation, you can attach this verse and this poem into the greeting card. I think they are wonderful gorgeous birthday wishes too, do you agree? If you love it, then it is for you. Happy Birthday!