Years ago, while driving home from church one night, after a time of silence, I heard this small voice call to me from the back seat.  It seems my very young son, Tyler, had been gazing up at a full moon and then thoughtfully asked, “Mom, does God drive the moon?”  I answered, “Why yes, Tyler, I believe He does.”  I’ve thought of that precious moment many times since when gazing at a beautiful full moon, myself.  And it always brings back a childlike awe and wonder for me. 

This is truly an amazing world we live in, and should honestly leave us in awe when we think about it.  But I have to admit, that over time, it can all become rather mundane.  That is until we stop and let ourselves see this incredible world through the eyes of a child.

Have you ever watched a child marvel at the sight of a butterfly, hoping to hold it to get a much closer look, only to find that God has given it a swift gracefulness that allows it to stay just out of reach, but close enough for its beauty to be enjoyed?  And how precious is the moment when we witness the delight in the eyes of a child who notices a beautiful rainbow for the first time and gazes at it in amazement, following its beauty from one end to the other.  The uncontrollable giggle of a baby, watching a puppy chasing its own tail, will make everyone watching find themselves giggling, as well.  Children running along the oceans’ edge, skipping over each wave that comes and then running after the cute little sand crabs that scurry by are gentle reminders of the simple, yet amazing delights of this magnificent world we live in.

The gentle, soothing sound of a summer afternoon rain…the smell of fresh cut grass or the melody of a songbird outside an open window…the delicate beauty and velvety softness of a flowers’ buds beginning to open…the feel of an ocean breeze touching your face or the sight of that magnificently colored sunset… each, absolutely wonderful, when we stop to rediscover them, just as a child who is experiencing each of these delights for the very first time.

What a blessing it is when we allow ourselves to slow down enough in our busy, day to day lives to just soak up all the beauty and creativity our God displays around us every day.  I know that, speaking for myself, I find it so easy to overlook the wonders of this world, forgetting to stop and appreciate God’s gifts that are all around me.  The array of colors, fragrances, sights, sounds and textures await us, wanting to delight each and every one of us, if we will stop and take a look at God’s wonderful world as if looking at it through the eyes of a child. 

Debbie Pedigo

John 1:3 & Deut. 10:14