Or....
Do you see things as someone who is always rushing and trying to get to the next thing? Are you too harried to enjoy life as it happens? Are you too bitter or jaded to really "see" life happening?
This weekend, we took Boy to Tweetsie Railroad to see Thomas the Tank Engine. We took him on the train ride, and it hit me how he sees things through such positive and appreciative eyes. This was his first time riding on a real train, and he was so happy that, for a few moments, it seemed like he was not physically able to close his mouth. His jaw dropped and hung there from the wonder and thrill of riding the train.
As I was sitting behind him with the camera, and Poppie (Hubby) was sitting next to him, there were two little boys sitting in front of him who had season passes. Those boys seemed to have been there a lot and felt compelled to show off what they knew. They kept telling us what was going to happen and what we were going to see and who was the actor portraying the Indian Chief, etc. Each time they did it, I had a small twinge of annoyance. I did not let it bother me too much, though, because I realized that they were excited...yet they would not stop -- even after I asked them to. (I would certainly not want to watch a movie with those two.)
Boy, however, seemed to not even notice as he looked out the side of the train and enjoyed what he saw. Boy smiled. Life was good for him. He was happy.
If you were on that same train ride, what would you see? Would you see the crowds? Would you see the dirt and weeds and mess of the forest? Would you see the annoying children in front of you? Would you see the cheesy horse and buffalo statues and wonder how much longer it would be until the ride was finished?
Or....
Would you see the amazing rocks formed off the side of the mountain? Would you see the exciting imagination of the sites and story of the cowboys and Indians? Would you see the beautiful mountain views in the distance? Would you see the genuine happiness of a small child?
Would you see everything with the wonder of a small child?
The next time that you find yourself hurrying or frustrated by unimportant things or just not in a good mood, will you think about my sweet boy and his innocent and appreciative way of seeing things around him? Will you remember that there is wonder and beauty in everything if you just open your eyes to it?
Or....
Everything is so exciting through the eyes of a child, I hope he retains these memories, but most adults do not remember back that young.....
ReplyDeleteRemembering is not the point. KEEPING that perspective is the point. 8^)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!! I hadn't thought about the different view lately, but guess I should consider it since the 2 yr old granddaughter seems to have quite similar views. Just last night she was really thrilled to be in the pool for the first time this year. AND on top of that, the awesomeness of jumping on the mini trampoline by herself!!! Well, words cannot express the joy she experienced in that small, insignificant act(to an old lady) of independence!! "Write on" Dm!!! LOL!! I made a funny!! :o)
ReplyDeleteI must admit, most days for me I am always rushing. Rushing to get my housework done before hubby gets home, rushing to get my busienss work done to hopefully sit back and relax a few moments, rushing to be sure meals are done on time, etc. However, yesterday, I put all of that aside and spent more time with my kids than I normally get a chance to. We got our newest shipment of DT stuff we just recently bought for the kids, and they were SO excited to dig into it, I just couldnt resist to say 'forget the housework' and play a while with my kids. They enjoyed their games so much, it "hurt my heart" (as my son likes to say lol) to tell them I had to stop playing with them so I could get their dinner ready! Luckily, I called hubby on his way home from work and asked him to pick up something for dinner LOL (hehe I came up with an excuse not to cook and instead play with my kids a while longer! LOL.)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post Dm! And I truely enjoyed seeing the pics of your son enjoying himself to the fullest! Keep up the awsome posts!!
Our children really are a blessing from God, you know when my daughter was small I would sit back and watch her and loved every moment of if for they grow up quickly.
ReplyDeleteI still vividly remember my own wonder as I looked at my first child laying in my arms. That is an awe that I have never lost even though he is 30. It is hard to think that my "baby" is 10 years older than I was when he was born. Wow!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to not let "life" distort your view on things. I know that I am in a hurry a lot of the time, trying to get everything done and my "list" finished. Then, one of the monsters do or day something to get my attention, and I have to regroup! I truly try to cherish these young days with my monsters, they are short .
ReplyDeleteperspective is everything. How we look at things. The Lord wants us to come to him as a small child. Having that mentality is very important. It helps you to keep humble and enjoy the life HE has given us.
ReplyDelete