We had Daughter #2 with our new son-in-law and two granddaughters from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Daughter #1 is staying a few days with us, too. It was so nice to see them all again! I got to spent time with all of them and enjoyed every minute. There were, however, a few stand-out moments with the young ones where I was reminded of some very important things.
- There are lessons to be learned at the bird feeder, watching blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and all the other winter visitors come and go. The different birds may not always get along perfectly, but with a little patience and persistence everyone gets what they need and no one goes without.
- Happiness can be found in the most common of places if we just take the time to find it. A muddy winter chicken yard becomes a place of smiles, laughter, and joy when seen through the wide eyes of a 4 year old.
- There is wonder to be found in common 'indoor' things too. The older one (six) loves to help Papa make breakfast in the morning. She's learning to crack open eggs she collected the day before, whisk them up in a bowl, and help stir them in the pan as they cook. As the liquid concoction begins to turn into the scrambled eggs she's familiar with I hear "Papa look! I see the eggs!". It's easy to under-appreciate the joy in "making", even in making something as simple as breakfast.
- All treasures are not necessarily valuables. Garden tools and a sandy spot on the homestead are far more interesting than any toy on the property. A handful of stone 'treasures' dug out of the sand and hidden under leaves (guarded by Papa so that Abby the cat and Zyla the dog don't get them) become the precious fruits of a little girl's labor. No natter how simple, there is joy and satisfaction to be found in that which is earned above that which is given.
This weekend 'Papa' was reminded that the eyes of a child are the most wonderful lens through which to view life. We gain much when take the time to see through their eyes and lose much when pass them by.
Matt. 18:3 (NIV) And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
We are so blessed!
Col. 3:9-12
Mark
I think the children are blessed to have you as their "Papa."
ReplyDeleteMama Pea - Thank you! They are so precious and wonderful. Their simple discoveries and insights always make me stop and think. How do we lose that sense of wonder as we grow older?
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