![\"Ena-Shelley12\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/coe\/files\/2013\/02\/Ena-Shelley12.jpg\")
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\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>Have you noticed that during times of political turmoil, a common chastising comment to leaders on both sides of the aisle to \u201cStop acting like children!\u201d?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What an insult to our children.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, rather than framing the behavior as childish, the critics should perhaps encourage those leaders to be more like kids because children understand what matters.<\/span><\/strong> Mattie Stepanek was a young poet whose life was cut short by a rare form of muscular dystrophy, yet his voice reflects on what really matters better than that of most adults.<\/p>\n About Things That Matter<\/strong> It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows It matters that the world knows Today, I encourage our leaders, I encourage you, to widen your circle and invite someone into the conversation that may or may not have the same view as you on any number of issues. For it is only when we begin to have true conversation, without preconceived agendas, that problems can be solved.<\/p>\n Children aspire to be grown-ups, yet look around. Are some of our most visible grown-ups really modeling what we want children to be? Maybe grown-ups need to aspire to be a bit more childlike in their understanding, relationships, and interactions.<\/p>\n
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\n In past columns I have cited the wisdom of many thoughtful grown-ups: Margaret Wheatley, Daniel Pink, and Maya Angelou, to name a few. Yet today my inspiration comes from the voice of a child\u2014a child who really\u00a0<\/span> understood what matters.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n
\nBy Mattie Stepanek<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWe must celebrate the gift of life
\nEvery day in some way, and
\nWe must always remember
\nTo play after every storm.<\/p>\n
\nAll children are truly blessed
\nWith the innocent gifts of gentleness,
\nTrust, and compassion, which
\nShould guide the wisdom of grown-ups.<\/p>\n
\nWe each have a song in our heart
\nThat can inspire us in good times and
\nHard times if we take the time to listen.<\/p>\n
\nOur senses can help us discover
\nThe hidden and non-hidden
\nEnchantment in life, if we use them fully.<\/p>\n
\nWe must choose our words and wants
\nCarefully or we could forever hurt others
\nWith these most dangerous weapons.<\/p>\n
\nStrength and value of all things created
\nMust be measured by character and commitment
\nRather than by might and wealth.<\/p>\n
\nWe must heed the valuable lessons of
\nEveryday life, through the celebration of
\nChildren and Heartsongs, senses and words,
\nOr we could lose in our journey to the future.<\/p>\n
\nA person by my name and being existed
\nWith a strong spirit and an eternal mindset
\nTo become a peacemaker for all,
\nBy sharing the things that really matter.
\nIf you have ever seen a group of children sitting on the floor in a circle, and they see another child come in, think about what they do. They widen the circle and include the child, not after questioning her political perspective, motive, or agenda, but rather without hesitation. They scoot back and invite them into the conversation. You see, they understand that what matters is you can only get to know someone once they have been invited into the circle.<\/strong><\/p>\n