Through the Eyes of a Child

You've heard the saying "stop and smell the roses?" I think looking at the world as a child does, can help us to appreciate the beauty of nature and the simple things in life. Read about how our friend's sweet little girl reminded me of this recently.

Don't think that I am the perfect example of a mature individual. I have struggled with depression and anxiety all of my life and have taken my family along for the roller coaster ride. It has been a rough summer - my husband battling cancer and retirement from my teaching career. I have perfected the ability to burst into tears at a moment's notice (much to my family's dismay).

I was visiting our friend's precious little girl in the park the other day. Watching her utter joy at going down the slide, reminded me how children look at the world - they take such joy in the little things and have no worries about tomorrow. She lay down in the sandbox, even nestling down into it, without a care in the world. She called me over "Janiebear, look at the clouds. They are so pretty!" When was the last time I looked at the clouds and thought, oh how pretty? Like most people, I am busy working, planning, worrying, dwelling on the past, etc. I forget to stop and appreciate the beauty around me. I forget to be thankful. I forget to stop and breathe.

My son jokingly reminds me that because of my retirement from teaching, this is "my second act." What is the second act going to be? I am going to try to remember a little girl on a slide enjoying the ride, being in the moment, and take things one day at a time.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7