Have you ever been for a walk with a toddler? You don't necessarily cover a great distance or even get to your original destination but you can have a refreshingly rich experience if you stop when they stop, if you notice what they notice, if you get down on their level, if you receive all the little treasures they collect as gifts, if you embrace the season that's occuring all around you... What a precious time it can be!
As I deliberately took time to let my child lead me in exploring the world around us I began to see things differently. I slowed down, I saw more, I wondered, I appreciated and became thankful for the small things. I felt my heart enlarge and experience greater joy and I was much more present with my child.
I encourage you to experiment with this. Let go of your agenda and let a little one you know lead your next outing (or tag onto a friend's family trip!) and have fun. And as you do why not ask Jesus to take you on an adventure of exploration: slow down and take note of what's around you; what can you feel, see, hear, smell... Return to that wonderful childlike place of joy, awe and delight and seek to stay there.
It will do you the world of good!
Happy is the person who trusts him.
