For Ladies ... Lessons From a Toddler

 

Enjoying The Simple Things

Annette Kenney

Being the mother of two small, active, and healthy children leaves little time to get involved in anything very complicated. As all parents know, raising small children requires a lot of time to be spent in a lot of little things. One benefit of this is that I have learned from my children to enjoy the little things God has sent my way.

My very busy two-year old daughter can spend 20 minutes at a time watching and laughing at the squirrels playing on our front lawn. My mischievous son looks at snow, not as a nuisance to be brushed off the car or shoveled off the driveway, but as a great opportunity to "get Mommy." Both children would just as soon play with the boxes their presents come in as with the presents themselves. On our vacation to my hometown in Alaska last summer, of all the things we did, my son most enjoyed simply throwing rocks into the ocean on the same beach on which I played as a child. It is somewhat humbling to see my children have a better appreciation for God's gifts of nature and the little things than I do myself.

There are so many distractions in our technology-mad world today that it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important. There is always a faster way to use the Internet, a newer model car with more bells and whistles, or bigger, better quality television. My children are too young to care about any of that, and I am glad. 1 Timothy 6:7-8 gives the proper perspective that we should have, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content."

When my daughter and I are outside in the evenings, she doesn't seem to notice any of the new cars driving by from the many car dealerships near our house. Instead, she calls my attention to the brightness of the moon or the birds flying home to roost. When I am walking with my son, he prefers to pick up sticks and leaves more than to admire the landscaping on the beautiful homes we pass. Our God has given us all of the things we need and the capacity for wonder and enjoyment of His works. Hebrews 13:5 says "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

I am glad my children have re-ignited my love for God's creations. Let us never lose the wonder. -29 Flora Dr., Bedford, OH 44146. Drkenney@att.net

 

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