Lately, it seems as though the world has become more hectic, stressed and fast-paced. We are bombarded with troubles, negativity, etc... I decided to go to the young people and ask them some questions. Maybe gain some insight and perspective.  

Everything about kids is real. They are honest in every way, from their words to their emotions to their facial expressions. Pure and unfiltered as God intended. 

I talked with three different age groups and asked them some questions. I took the approach that Art Linkletter used to do with his interviews with kids. “I don’t tell the kids what to say or what not to say.” I did the same thing. 

Shane, 5-1/2

Who do you look up to? Shane replied, “Santa.” Why Santa? He replied, “Because he brings presents.” Who would you like to meet? “Spiderman.” Why him? “Well, he climbs, spins webs and has friends.”

What should people do more of? “Don’t yell and go on a bike ride.”

What is love? “You love people, feel happy and it makes me feel good.” What makes you smile? “Going camping.”  

When is it a good time to sing or dance? “My sister dances when she sings.” What do you do for fun? “Play.” 

Where is your favorite place to go? “My friend’s house.” How do you think the stars shine at night? “Because the moon is out.” 

What do you want to do when you grow up?  “I want to be like daddy and work with him.” 

Adaline, 11

Who do you look up to? She replies, “My mom and dad, grandparents and other family.” Why them? “Because they are there when I have a tough time in school.”

Who would you like to meet and why? Adaline replies, “The Queen of England. There is a reason why everyone voted her in. I want to talk to her and find out what it is like to be Queen and what her experiences have been.”

What should people do more of? “Be kind and keep the environment clean. It doesn’t help animals or people.”

Love is? “Love is something that brings us together and bonds relationships with kindness. “ What makes you smile? “Family members.”

When is the best time to sing and dance? “Anytime! I love to do both.” What do you do for fun? “Playing with my family and friends.

Where is your favorite place to go? “A lot of places, but home with my family.”

How do you think the stars shine at night? “You know there is science, but when I was younger, I thought the stars were family members from heaven and they were smiling at me. Still think that way.”

 What does the world need more of? “More help and they need to be there for each other.” What do you want to do when you grow up? “My dream is to work at my mom’s salon.”

 Grace, 15

 Who do you look up to?  “Honestly, as a Christian, it would be the Virgin Mary.” Why her? Grace replied, “Because of her devotion to God and love.” Who is someone you would like to meet? “I can’t think of anyone.” 

What should people do more of? “Stop and reflect. People have busy lives and they just don’t take the time to see things.”

What is love to you? “It means a lot of things. A willingness to give yourself to others.”  What makes you smile? “Family, friends and being outside.”

When is the best time to sing and dance? “Well, singing I’m not good at, but I like to dance.”

What do you do for fun? “Reading, hiking and family things.” Where is your favorite place to go? “Just outside, each spot is different.” 

How do you think the stars shine at night? “I just hope they shine bright.” What does the world need more of? “A lot of things, but mostly, honesty.”

 What do you want to do when you grow up? She replied, “For most of my life, I’ve wanted to be a nurse. To me, that is the best way to take care of people.”

 I was amazed but not surprised at their candor. They are more aware and attuned to what is going on around them. Family and friends are everything, kindness counts, love, home and having fun is important. 

Kids have no expectations, worries about the day and how it will unfold. They just enjoy life and live it to the fullest. We could learn something from them. I know I have.