Lessons on Living for Adults
Posted: Wednesday, May 05, 2010
by Kim Condemarin
Sporty Unique Stools
Children really have a positive way of looking at the world, don't they? Where we see an unwanted downpour, they see a chance to splash with abandon. They lift their faces to the rain and let it thoroughly drench them, head to toe. Where we see an annoying mud puddle, children see an opportunity to get just muddy enough as to render them unrecognizable. No matter the weather, in a child's eyes life is full of possibilities for fun and frolic.
We can fine tune our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feel of the world around us. I remember when my children were small, the world was their playground! I had an especially inventive child, who always thought up the most spectacular ways to have fun (I might add, at the expense of a degree of my sanity), but he always managed to put a smile on my face none the less.
We were on a family vacation one year; with the usual "are we there yet?" repeated a million times (at least) but the three children were relatively calm, preoccupied with their books, etc.; eventually my husband and I noticed that every time a car passed by, the people would smile over at us. Well, curiosity getting the best of me, I glanced to the back seat where my seven year old son while on his knees, was very quietly looking out the back window of the car, with his head resting on his forearms.
Now, I am sure you have all seen those black plastic glasses they sold as toys ( awhile back) with the thick black mustache attached to them (Groucho Marx glasses). Well, Bryan had donned those glasses, and was very purposely staring out the back window at the people as they passed by him. One vehicle chose to linger a bit right behind us to enjoy the show. As he was spurred on by their reaction, and that of others who passed, he continued to spread a bit of SONshine that day, by putting a smile on the faces of everyone who saw him. To the children life is an adventure as it should be, as they play and discover the world about them.
I am convinced that with a shift in our way of thinking, we adults can experience the world around us once again, in more rewarding and fun ways as well. It is possible, and even healthy to dream a little, explore a little, and take the kids by the hand to experience this beautiful world with them. Life is much too short a time to waste it, by not allowing ourselves to let go once in awhile. The next time you see a mud puddle opportunity, throw off the shoes and socks, and slowly ease your bare feet into the cool soft mud (you know you want to!). Really feel it as it oozes between your toes, and brings back those pleasant memories of childhood.
Is it not refreshing to be around little children? Why is that? I believe for one thing at least, that they bring those fanciful carefree memories of our youth back to us in full color. Take a minute to observe the children at play, they just attack life. Thank the Lord for these little blessings; they keep the sense of fun alive in the world. As adults we can re-train ourselves to pick out the simple, yet profound experiences in our midst wherever we live, and in whatever circumstance we may find ourselves.
I lie in the coolness of the grass, and feel the gentle sprinkle of rain drops upon my face. The smell of freshness all about me renews my spirit, and bathes my soul with peace, a peace that is all encompassing. In the distance, the sound of children at play makes my heart sing with happiness; their laughter delights and thrills me.
My mind drifts to pleasant thoughts, and sweet imaginings. I see more clearly, feel more deeply, my awareness of simple pleasures heightened, I take a deep breath, close my eyes and dream...
God bless little children, may they always continue to inspire us to live more fully this beautiful gift called life.
copyright JA & AK Enterprices, LLC
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)This is beautiful, Kim. I think we get conditioned out of that capacity to be thrilled by life, and I know I forget that I have a choice there. I felt myself letting go of all sorts of mental and unnecessary controls as I read your words. Thanks.Jennifer,Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I do appreciate your opinion, and I am happy you enjoyed the article. You are right, we do have a choice.
I think one of the keys in my life to peace and relaxing is to remember to be childlike (NOT childish). To keep that sense of awe and wonder, to love and forgive.... of such is the kingdom of heaven! Thanks Kim!Marijo,It is always nice to hear from you. I agree that it is so important that we love and forgive, that is how children are, and they are closer to Heaven. Thanks for dropping in!
Kim,I know this article it is one more of your wonderful creations. Thank you so much for the reminder, about trying to act sometime like a child, to bring those fond memories.Love you Bunches,Your HubbyJose'Thank you so much sweetheart! Your comments mean everything to me. Love, your wife.
Thank you for your sharing this article, Kim! It is very true that we adults were taught by children in many cases. We should listen to them, watch them, learn from them. We should not ignore the lessons we can take from children. Wonderful post. Thank you again!Shaw,You are very kind to take time to read, and I very much appreciate the sharing of your thoughts. Thank you so much!
They say children keep you young! Nice story Kim.Brianna,You are so right! They are a breath of fresh air. Thank you very much.
Yes! As a retired teacher I have total reality on what the author here is saying. I agree whole heartedly that we all should sit back once in awhile and enjoy the world through children's eyes. Thanks! Connie CaseConnie,As a teacher you were face to face daily with these little bundles of energy. I am sure you got more chuckles than you can count! Thank you so much for reading and for your comments.
This brought back good memories Kim- I used to play with my kids like a kid myself- mud pies- tea party- baseball and dumptrucks- We had so much fun! Thanks for a beautiful article- Always -EllaElla,How wonderful that you took those opportunities with your children. Those are memories to cherish forever. Thank you Ella!
This is a sunny article. I really enjoyed it. My daughter Catherine is 25 and still has the knack of making the sun shine even on a rainy day. Thank you.Helena,Children have a natural knack for making the sun shine just a little brighter, don't they? I am so glad you enjoyed reading my article, and thank you for the nice comment.
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