By Lori Byerly
I was visiting a friend’s home the other day. I sat in a chair in the shade and watched her two-year-old twin girls play. Their world was full of delight – chasing the kitty, being amazed at dirt and having boo-boos healed by mommy kisses.
As I sat there, I realized that I had missed something of importance. When I think of writing something about family, it tends to run toward the “what we can impart to our kids” sort of thing. What I was seeing with fresh eyes is that our children have so much to teach us.
MYSTERY
Dirt really is fascinating. I don’t know if you’ve really taken the time to look. There are all kinds of little particles and sometimes little rocks. There are weeds and bugs. And when you add water, oh my, it’s just delightful.
Mud feels great and makes squishy sounds. Then there are flowers and plants that grownups call weeds that are just as pretty. Ooh! And clouds are amazing! (The world is full of incredible things just waiting to be discovered. Take a moment and look at the marvelous sights that surround you every day.)
JOY
At any moment there is something to be happy about – favorite toys, peanut butter sandwiches, pillows, kisses and hugs. Tickling is good. Laughing is great! (Grownups are so grumpy. What has happened to us? Let’s laugh more often. Why not smile at everyone you meet? I bet they could use a smile.)
LET’S PLAY!
Kids are so great at spontaneous fun.
Can we play a game now?
Can I have mashed potatoes with my cereal?
Let’s go find the North Star.
Which way is north? (Why not? No, you won’t be able to touch the star, but imagination and adventures are priceless. Would it really hurt to change your plans a bit? I think most of us need to relearn how to play.)
KIDS DON’T EVEN KNOW THERE IS A BOX
Of course, they can make crayons for a living when they grow up. Why wouldn’t you want to own several llamas or make a hat from tissue paper? (I think sometimes we get caught up in the way things are “supposed to be” and forget that we are gifted with imagination. I doubt most of us would want llamas in our front yard, but why can’t we learn about them or visit them in a petting zoo? We need to explore the possibilities and dream dreams. Not all dreams come true, but many can.)
FAITH/TRUST
When my son was little he would watch his daddy fix things. In his mind, his daddy could do anything. My son loved taking things apart and we would frequently hear, “Daddy, fix.” Daddy would, of course, take the bits and put them back together, which was part of the fun. I look back and remember that in those moments, my son knew complete trust. He knew his daddy could and would do anything he asked of him. (May we be of like faith when approaching our Father.)
I look forward to my visits at my friend’s home. Her children are teaching me to see the world with delight and laughter.
