One of my favorite Nerissa Nields songs is “Who Are You Not To Shine?”
Who are you not to shine?
Who are you not to glow?
Who are you not to be your own best self?
You can be who you are
You can change as you grow
But be you, don’t be anybody else
If you weren’t you then who would tell your stories
If you weren’t you then who would walk your miles?
If you weren’t you then who would help your sisters?
If you weren’t you then who would smile your smile?
I was thinking about this song when I was visiting my almost 3 year old nephew, Drew, last weekend in Kentucky.
Drew dances, sings, runs, jumps, laughs, and lives life with such joy. He truly shines. He also brings lots of joy to our family. It is fun to watch him in action: blowing dandelions with gusto, throwing acorns in the creek, break-dancing to the banjo, singing to The Nields song “Aiken Drum,” and giggling with glee as I chase him around the back yard!
Drew reminds me of what is important in this life: love, laughter, and living life with unabashed joy. I am grateful to Drew for teaching me how to embrace each moment with enthusiasm and passion. He definitely shines as he dances, sings, hugs, runs, laughs, plays, and jumps (sometimes too high off of a trampoline and breaks his wrist).
Children have a lot to teach us about joy and shining.
Who are all of us not to shine?
Posts
3 comments:
How wonderful and inspiring! I love this, Jill! Thanks for mentioning us. Can't wait till our next visit to St. Louis, AKA Jillland.
Hi Nerissa---I also can't wait for your and Katryna's next visit to St. Louis. Spring in St. Louis always reminds me of some of my favorite times with the 2 of you. Ahhhhh....the tulips and the promise of spring. T
Thank you for shining in this world and reminding all of us to do the same. Love you! xoxo
Jill this is a wonderful post! Indeed, we deprive others of joy when we hide our own light! Drew is a wonderful reminder of how to be in life, and so are you, actually! I'm so grateful I know you.
Post a Comment