I love fall. There's something almost magical about it to me. The world takes on different colors and something about the crisp air coming through my open windows makes me feel like anything is possible. It's something like what I imagine little kids might feel experiencing much of the world for the first time.
I spend most of my days at home with my son, who is almost 16 months old. Yes, a lot of our day is consumed by Elmo and temper tantrums, but much of the day is wonder and joy. He finds so much happiness in little things, like putting a colander on my head and calling it a hat or jumping on my stomach and hearing me go "ugh!". The last one he finds particularly joy-inducing.
I was outside this morning with Max (my son) and Dan (my husband). Max was having the time of his life finding sticks, carrying seed pods, and becoming overjoyed at just being in the sun, surrounded by God's creation. So happy that every time we would say "sunshine!" he'd stop and do a little dance. It overjoyed me to see how delighted Max was.
I don't know about you, but as an adult I don't notice much beauty, or joy, or humor in the everyday stuff, the stuff that God has provided us to bring a little bit of joy and beauty to our day. I'm busy, and I'm tired, and truthfully, after 31 years on this earth a lot of it isn't so new anymore. Isn't that sad?
I know it might seem kind of crazy, but today I propose we learn something from all the little people in our lives- seek God in the little things.
Go enjoy the creation he made for you and do a little happy dance in the sunshine.
There is nothing like a spontaneous hug from one of my grandchildren! It can light up my heart for days! I love to see the stars at night when I take our little dog out for her last potty break for the night. Seeing the daily subtle color changes of the Bradford Pear trees lining the driveway as the greens give way to deep plums and burgundies. I love to get the "Praise God" of answered prayers and unexpected blessings. The deep teal color of my front door makes me smile. Getting a silly voice mail from my Mom always elicits a giggle. I think God enjoys a good game of Scavenger Hunt as we become more and more attentive to the little blessings He has hidden in the simple things.
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