Doubling up today!
It's Day 12 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge, started by Two Writing Teachers. I am writing around the theme topic of "What I Know For Sure." (See Day 1 for a full explanation.)
I also look forward to Thursdays when I can publish thoughts on my spiritual journey and hear the thoughts of others on a weekly theme topic. It has become a space for an encouraging and fortifying community to come together. We welcome anyone who would like to join us! For the past couple of months, we've been writing around the One Little Words of our little community. Feel free to join us on Thursdays if you'd like. Let me know at @muellerholly.
This week we are writing about Jaana's OLW, DISCOVER
And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3
When Libby was the age of the above photo, we lived in the country with a long gravel driveway that started at Brewer Road and extended past my mom and dad's house, crossed the creek, meandered through the woods, and wound around to our house on three acres. Libby loved the outdoors and exploring, picking up rocks to put in her pockets, pointing at butterflies, and picking wildflowers.
On some days, we would walk up the long driveway to Mom and Dad's, and I would have to laugh. The 5 minute walk usually turned into a half an hour because Libby would be more enamored by the things she could discover along the way than the actual destination of our travels. She would find things to show me, talk about what she found, and look for more interesting things to collect and celebrate. She was so full of curiosity and joy. I would need to resist rushing her along and let her enjoy her discoveries. Adults seem to want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. We practically put blinders on in order to get there fast. Not children. For them, it's about the journey.
What if we, like children, took more time for the journey? What if we slowed down, quit rushing, and enjoyed our travels more? What if we quit programming our GPSes for the destination all the time and lived more in the moment? What would we discover? What could we learn?
I tend to be goal-oriented to a fault sometimes. I am moving forward so fast, I forget to live in the now. In my walk with God, I could be more like toddler Libby and slow down to enjoy what He has given me in the here and now. Maybe He wants me to look around and chat with Him about what
I discover now instead of what I'm looking forward to. I already know my destination. It's time to enjoy the journey.
What I Know For Sure: Life is more about discovering our surroundings, learning to slow down, appreciating the ordinary moments, and enjoying the journey than it is about destinations. It's time to focus on the here and now. Especially if you already know where you are going.
Just when I thought we were at the end of our One Little Word journey, God gave us more to discover!
Yes, we should be more like a toddler, walking slow, discovering treasures along the way. Thanks for continuing this link up. I was home sick yesterday so between naps, I produced a canva poem. Sometimes the smallest things can inspire.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you spoke about childhood curiosity. I speak on that topic with teachers to make them understand that inquiry is about the noticing, wondering, exploring, and discovering of knowledge. Your perseverance with the spiritual journey community to let us explore a faith-based life in different ways is a model of what teaching is about. Thank you again, Holly.
ReplyDeleteI'm so stylin'.
ReplyDeleteI have to slow down more. Even on vacation I can't stop my whirling mind. I love your efforts here Holly.
ReplyDeleteStopping to enjoy the journey while making discoveries! So true. I NEED to remember that!
ReplyDeleteAnother reason why Jesus reminded us to have the heart of a child. This was a beautiful glimpse into your daughter's child-like heart, and a great lesson for me to remember to embrace the journey - it's where the good stuff happens.
ReplyDeleteHolly, this is such a beautiful post. I love imagining you and your daughter on the journey to your parents' house. It's unfortunate that, as adults, we're typically so overloaded, it's difficult to slow down. It seems the older I get, the worse the problem has become, but still---I do savor the good stuff. I just wish the sunsets were visible from our home :)
ReplyDeleteSweet photo. Love her name!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflection.
Very powerful..."I discover now instead of what I'm looking forward to. I already know my destination. It's time to enjoy the journey."