“Heads up, she’s traveling!” In other words, our close-to-nine-month-old granddaughter is on the floor—and on a mission.
As we care for our precious little one, barely a day goes by she doesn’t do something new and different. This recent experience is just one of many examples.
“Pat. Pat. Pat.” I knew she was moving across the carpeted floor even though I couldn’t see her. “Pat. Pat. Pat.” She definitely has this crawling thing down . . . well, pat.
“Slap, slap, slap.” Oh, what’s that? She had arrived at the edge of the hardwood floor leading to the foyer. “Slap, slap, slap.” She turned on her side to see if I noticed, as if to say, “Grandma, I’m checking out new territory. You’re not gonna stop me are you?” Her big grin was priceless.
We exchanged giggles as I let her continue her travels, knowing she would not be in harm’s way.
A moment later. “Squeak, squeak, squeak.” Ooohhh, another new experience—she’s discovered that pulling her little [likely] moist hand across the wood floor makes a really neat noise. “Squeak, squeak, squeak.” Obviously pleased with herself and her adventure, she continued on for several minutes before spinning around to return to the carpeted room.
All of this kind of reminds me of how we are to be with God. Childlike. Regardless of our chronological age, being open to discovering new things in the world around us, in other people, and ourselves, can enrich our lives with delight and joy. So why do we not bother, or hesitate for some “grownup” reason that keeps us from childlike behavior?
We don’t want to get into trouble. Fair enough. All of us learn at some point that touching our hand to an open flame is definitely not wise. On the other hand, how many times do we have an opportunity to try something new and all we can do is focus on the negatives? As a child I was terribly frightened as my mother, sister, and I watched a nasty storm tear off a big chunk of our detached garage roof. My beloved suggested one way we could help our children respect nature without being foolish would be to take them on the well-covered porch during a thunderstorm. Both grew up knowing how to be safe and appreciate the power of God’s creation.
We don’t want to look silly in front of others. Most of my friends who are grandmas totally understand why I joined my granddaughter on the floor. So much fun to squeak together. She laughed. I laughed. The day was brighter for that moment of play and discovery. Maybe one of the first things we need to do is let go of our concern for what others will think. As it turns out, God is using this little girl to help both my beloved and me to not take life so seriously. Savor the moment. It’s the only one of which we are assured.
We feel it’s not a good use of our time. If we’re used to making lists and checking things off, taking time to discover something new can seem like a waste of time. After all, we reason, responsible adults keep play time to a minimum. Somehow we’ve slipped into the mindset [and set it is] that to be curious, to discover, to learn, are activities best reserved for the little ones among us. Interestingly enough, most of the wise, older folks I know are quick to say that being and behaving ‘childlike’ is an important key to good health and wellness.
We would rather not deal with the messy stuff. By the time our daughter or husband arrive to pick up our granddaughter at the end of the day, the room—make that rooms—are wonderfully cluttered. And I wouldn’t have used that descriptor years ago. As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve finally gotten comfortable with things being out of order. [Not the same as unsanitary or dangerous.] As my beloved and I pick up her toys, fold blankets and bibs, wash bottles and dishes, we smile and nod. Yep, we are completely pooped. At the same time, we wouldn’t trade these days for anything.
So, are you ready to get into a little trouble, look silly, waste some time, or allow a little messiness into your life if it means you will reap the blessings of discovery and joy that God has for you? I hope so. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pat-pat, slap-slap and squeak-squeak with my favorite little person.
Do I hesitate to discover something new? Why?
Do I feel like being childlike is best suited to children? Why?
What one thing could I do today to open myself to the blessings of discovery?
