An unhurried journey

When we adults think of children, there is a simple truth we ignore: Childhood is not a preparation for life. A child is not getting ready to live, a child is living. A child is an active,participating and contributing member of the society. How much heartache we would save ourselves if we would recognize the child as a partner with adults in the process of living, rather than always viewing him/her as an apprentice. How much we would teach each other-.. adults with the experience and the child with the freshness? A child may not lead us, but at least we can discuss the trip with him/her. After all, life is his and her journey as well.