Through Her Eyes There is Wonder
What would happen if I slowed down enough to take in all of life through the eyes of a child? I can almost guarantee you that I would be happier overall. That I would be more relaxed, full of joy, and wonder, and awe at all that is around me. I don’t think I would rush quickly through my day, tackling items off of my list of responsibilities and moving quickly on to the next. Though it’s not bad to want to mark items off of your list of things to do, it’s simply about how we go about getting them done.
If I’m learning anything during this season of raising a toddler, it’s that I am in control of what I choose to do and when I do it. There have been some things I have had to let go of, in order to be present in the daily moments. My priorities have shifted because a little one needs my love, my attention, and my help. My focus has shifted from my own wants and desires to those of our little.
I always hear people talk about being busy. How’s your day - busy. What’s your schedule like this week - busy. It seems like a quick and easy, non-chalant response to the question, but in reality, is it the best? It’s not always good to be busy. Sure, we may be doing a variety of good things for others or ourselves, but are we glorifying God along the way? What is the state of our soul deep down? Our attitude toward the tasks we are doing? How is our family doing on the sideline while we are busy rushing from point A to point B?
It’s easy to get caught up in responsibilities. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by doing things that we forget to stop and spend time with those closest to us. We forget to stop and enjoy the simplicities of nature, of hearing the birds chirp in the morning, the hum of the washing machine in the background while you’re playing with toys in the next room, or the simplicity of a walk-through town when the weather is simply perfect.
At the start of the Fifa World Cup, I was struck by a pop artist’s rendition of her hit song with a young boy from the Netherlands who inspired her to write the song. While I didn’t watch this happen live, it was all over social media being shared thousands of times. It’s clear the impact was felt far and wide. As I stopped to read the lyrics, I couldn’t believe how perfect they were to stop and think about.
Lyrics to “Wonder” by Katy Perry:
(I’m sure you can find a clip of the performance all over YouTube with a quick search.)
Cause one day, when we're older-
Will we still look up in wonder?
Someday, when we're wiser-
Will our hearts still have that fire?
Can somebody promise me-
Our innocence doesn't get lost in a cynical world?
One day, when we're older-
Will we still look up in wonder?
Why does it seem that as we age, we lose our wonder? Our awe and fascination with the smallest of things isn’t quite as powerful as it once was. I’ve been spending much time with our little one these days and I’m amazed at how she stops to pick what looks like a weed, and she loves it. How she waves at everyone (and doesn’t seem phased yet at the majority of people who do not wave back). She enjoys touching everything, feeling it all. She can find the tiniest piece of trash on the floor, even when I’m quick to overlook it, and she’s beyond proud to pick it up and point it out to me. Simple, yet it means everything to her in the moment.
While she is taking it all in, she is unaware there is a calendar on the wall that changes quickly. She doesn’t realize there is a clock ticking. She is unaware of the piles of laundry or the bills that need to be paid. She is simply enjoying life and all of the little wonders that come along with it.
She has reminded me of the importance of slowing down. The importance of spending time with those who mean the most to me. That I need to put my phone away, leave the laundry for later, and not worry about the toys strown from room to room. The bed may stay unmade for days, but she doesn’t care. What matters is that we are together and enjoying our moments.
Maybe today you have a long list of responsibilities or things to do. Don’t get caught up in being so busy that you neglect those closest to you, and not only that but time with your Heavenly Father who desires to meet you in a daily quiet time. I’ve been challenged to not only embrace time with family but to also embrace the wonder of God and all that He is doing and providing for me. Life is too short to be ungrateful. I’m challenging myself to slow down and enjoy the moments this week, why don’t you join me?
Exodus 15:11
Lord, who is like you among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
