Is Your Heart Shining?

Some months ago, my adorable five year old nephew taught our children that if they share and do good things, their hearts will be shining and full of light.* Our eldest was skeptical about this assertion as she wasn’t sure it could be verified but my just turned three year old not only accepted this “fact” but held it close and built it into an all-encompassing new worldview.

So these days, whenever he offers me a sip of his water, he follows it with the grave observation that his heart is now shining. While watching two children fight in the supermarket I hear him remark that their hearts are not shining. When the flight attendant handed him half a cup of watery juice? Thank you, now your heart is shining. And right before bed comes the ultimate question, Mama, when you turn the lights off,  can you see how my heart is shining?

The past few weeks have been spent sharing time with family and friends, being extra kind to ourselves and those who depend upon us and generally being grateful –  but guys did we ever miss you! We couldn’t wait to return here and find out what you’ve all been up to and share what we’ve been doing – and we come back with our hearts definitively shining for one big reason and that is because the latest, newest Mini-nushka went from being here:

 

to being here:

Alhamdulillah, this adorable baby arrived safely and in good health and Sumaya and him are totally and completely in love – and so are we!

Welcome to the world little one. May you grow in peace and faith,  fill each space with love and joy and may your heart always and forever be shining.

 

* Am editing to add that the lovely lady from whom my nephew learned this phrase first pulled the concept from the excellent Ghazali Children’s Project by Fons Vitae. Here is a short but charming video they made referencing “The Shining Heart”.

 

Also, How to Introduce a New Sibling To Your Muslim Child.

Art Credit: Original Painting by Ausma Malik