I Don’t Need That
(1 minute, 4 seconds)

I squat down, peering into the dark brown eyes of a darling five-year-old who happens to be decked head to toe in Pepto-Bismol pink. I smile warmly and say with a sparkly, sing-song voice, “I love your outfit!” I gush, “Pink is one of my favorite colors, too!” I noticed she glanced curiously at my mini suitcase, which had a pink polka-dotted ribbon tied to it, a helpful aid for spotting my bag quickly at busy airports. I whisper to her, “I especially love pink polka-dots”.

The inquisitive darling is wearing, of all things, a pink polka-dotted shirt under her pink spring jacket, which she delights in showing me.
Swiftly yet gingerly, I untie my ribbon from my luggage. It occurs to me it would be a fun gesture to gift it to her by tying it around one of her fingers. I hope to see her again next year, and I think this would be a sweet little connection for us.

“Would you like my ribbon?” I say, holding it out to her grinning.
Without fanfare and in utter simplicity, she responds, “I don’t need that.”

I’m speechless! What girly kiddo who loves pink wouldn’t like to have a little pink polka-dotted ribbon as an accessory? Who doesn’t have a need in their life for a small splash of spots, a trinketry treasure, or some fun flair? This girl.

The Lord sweetly and swiftly rebukes me by this innocent young lamb’s honest awareness of her lack of need.

I’ve been mulling around this little interaction between me and a five-year-old that occurred weeks ago. Out of the mouth of babes, indeed!

May we all live well with the wisdom of my little friend and Psalm 23:
The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.