Joy and Wonder

I wish we all had such exuberant joy and wonder as a 4-year-old.

June 16

My daughter, Sarah is babysitting for a lovely family in our neighborhood. She is watching two sweet little girls four days a week. Sarah had asked me if I would do something with the girls so she could get her hair done. I was more than happy to do that, so my older daughter and my grandchildren came with me when we dropped Sarah off at the hair salon. There is the best little bakery next door so we took the kids inside to get a treat. All four kids were really excited to pick out their cupcakes, but Ashley, who is four, was just over the moon. At first, she grabbed my hand and showed me the sprinkle cupcake. She definitely wanted that one! Then I showed her the birthday cake, cupcake. That one had sprinkles inside and out! She was over the moon excited to get this little treat. As we walked back to the car she asked if we could watch a mobie(movie) when we got home. I told her I was thinking about doing a craft together and asked her what she thought of that. Well her little eyes got big and with great exuberance, she replied,” I always love crafting! It’s sooo fun!” We went home and painted tiny birdhouses. I put a movie on up in my bonus room while they all painted their little works of art. All the kids really enjoyed the day and were really grateful for all we did. But for Ashley, it was all the BEST EVER! Her Joy and excitement over such simple little things all day long just melted my heart. As adults, we can start to look at the world like, Oh, I’ve seen that, I’ve done that. No big deal. But this world we live in is a big deal. I don’t want to get complacent and take for granted the beauty and blessings all around me. I don’t want to lose that childhood wonder. I think this is some of what Jesus meant when He said we need to be like little children. Besides her excitement and thankful heart just made me want to do more for her. It made me feel loved. Do you think God might feel the same way when our hearts are full of gratitude! I know that there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, but if that kind of Joy and gratitude can touch God’s heart like it touched mine, I want to do that for Him!