The Gift of a Child

A friend of mine recently wrote about her son:
"There are moments in parentingthat break your heart open with
boundless love, where you see your child so clearly navigating their
own space… a funny mix ofpride, empathy and fall-over-yourself love
and gratitude for the gift of your child ensues, followed by
tears….watching Wilder walk up to a new friend on the playground at a
new school and navigate the space between shy and easy was just such…
thank you universe for giving me that moment."
I know what she means. Earlier this morning I told my daughter Salma a
joke and she gave me a smile as sweet as a mango that made my heart
melt. And just now she climbed into the chair next to mine and said,
"Baba, cover your eyes." I did but I peeked between my fingers because
sometimes she leaps onto me full bore, with her kneespointed at me, as
if I'm a trampoline. But this time she climbed into my lap, and kissed
me on the cheek.
Of course she followed it up by telling me she was bored, and asking
me to buy her a new doll. Still, having this child has taught me to
love as I never did before. I have learned patience, sacrifice,and
aspiration, not for myself but for another.
I recently listened to a lecture by Umm Sahl of Damascus in which she
remarked that our children do not belong us, but to Allah. They are
given to us in trust, andwe are their shepherds.
I can see that. How could I own or possess something so beautiful, and
powerful, so unique? No one but Allah can hold a human being in their
hand, seeing the essence of that person, knowing and appreciating
every atom.
What a tremendous responsibility a child is. What a tremendous gift.
May Allah make us all equal to the task, and help us to fulfill our
roles as shepherds, providing tarbiyah and love, and ushering in a
better generation than our own, Insha'Allah.