Dear God, thank you for beauty in garbage

Don’t you just love seeing life through a child’s perspective?


Last night at dinner I sat next to a friend who has a little boy the same age as ours. Somehow we got on the topic of how children help us to slow down… pause… see things in a new light.

 
A couple of days ago I was on a bush walk with Levi. We stopped to look at a tall, beautiful gum tree. I’ve always loved gum trees – their smooth bone-white trunks, their muted sage green colored leaves, and the fresh scent of eucalyptus.
 
I placed Levi’s hand on a part of the trunk where the bark was stripped back saying, “smooth, smooth” and then over to an area where the bark was still in tact saying “rough, rough.” 
 
We did the new-found “smooth, smooth, rough, rough” game a few times. Levi loved it – he laughed and laughed and looked from the tree to me and back again in delight.
 
I’m not sure if he was laughing at the new experience, laughing at the comparison of touch sensations, laughing at my words, or just laughing because he was enjoying himself. 
 
No matter the reason for his laughter, it really spurred me to think about the joy of discovery.
 
I can get so caught up in running here and there, doing this and that, and it’s far too easy to let the detail of life pass me by. But having a small child that is learning so much every day really helps me to put things into perspective. He helps me to see things through new eyes and enjoy the small things that I might never notice without his help.
 
He helps me to see beauty and wonder and joy in a tree trunk… or a garbage can.
 
 
 
Dear friends, what has your child helped you to see lately?
Trying to take notice,

adriel booker | the mommyhood memos | 2010 
do not reproduce without written permission

About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

12 Comments

  • lunablue
    11 October 2010 at 3:05 pm

    I just started nannying, and I love being reminded of what life was like when I was a 12 year old girl. A squishy little animal shaped toy, can potentially be… SO. COOL! 🙂

    Reply
  • A House and Home
    11 October 2010 at 3:35 pm

    Mine helps me to laugh! To laugh at myself…to laugh at him…to laugh at my husband…just to laugh at being silly or just because.

    Reply
  • cooperl788
    11 October 2010 at 5:14 pm

    Mine helps me to understand myself! When I watch Georgia as she's frustrated and angry, I understand my own frustration and anger a little better. She is a huge mirror to my own flaws – most recently this weekend! I tripped over the cat and said, "Stupid cat!" Well, Georgia started to repeat me, "Pupid Cat! Pupid Cat!" It sounds so ugly coming out of her mouth, and really reflected how misdirected the anger was.

    Reply
  • Wining Mommies
    11 October 2010 at 6:27 pm

    Mine remind me how great it is to be around people close to you. Every morning when my boys wake up, they have huge smiles and laugh hysterically when they see each other. From where I stand, it looks like they can hardly wait to start the day and just be together.

    Reply
  • Amy
    11 October 2010 at 9:36 pm

    When I get carried away or upset with work she'll kick me and remind me what's important. I can't imagine how it will be once she's born. Great post!
    Amy

    Reply
  • Mellisa Rock
    11 October 2010 at 10:37 pm

    My kids help me see true delight in the moment – great post!! Lamby Tribe.

    Reply
  • JIll
    12 October 2010 at 1:05 am

    My oldest has made me look at the little things as a great accomplishment. He just learned how to snap his own pants. The first time he did it he was so proud. Now when he does it he comes out and tells everyone. I love it.

    Reply
  • Ms. Jenni [xo]
    12 October 2010 at 2:42 am

    Mine remind me to giggle and play. It helps to bring a smile to my day.

    Reply
  • Getrealmommy
    12 October 2010 at 5:28 am

    I could not agree with you more. I think that is one of the biggest gifts our children give us, showing us how to take a new look at the world, making it shiney and exciting again!

    Reply
  • The Empress
    12 October 2010 at 5:46 am

    They just want my time.

    No matter what they have, they want my time.

    THey'll say, "mom, can we do the dishes later, I just want to sit and talk now."

    And I do. They know what to ask for, and what they need.

    I wish I could still remember to do that, instead of becoming angry with people about disappointment and diminished returns in relationships.

    Children are wonderful. So very wonderful.

    Reply
  • Laura Elliott
    12 October 2010 at 11:24 am

    We live on the coast and have the most spectacular sunsets. As I drive home with my little girl in the back she inevitably says "look mummy, the sun is pink, he's getting ready to go to bed, he's going to have his dinner, put his pjs on, brush his teeth, read some stories and go to sleep. Night night sun!" So cute, makes me appreciate the sunset and my wonderful little girl.

    Reply
  • Melissa (Confessions of a Dr. Mom)
    12 October 2010 at 9:43 pm

    I know. Isn't this the most beautiful thing about our little ones? I love seeing the world through their eyes..as long as I can remind myself to do so 🙂

    Reply

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