Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
(Psalm 8:2)
CHILDLIKE WONDER
Have you ever watched a child when they are involved in something they love or something new? There’s an excitement that flows throughout their bodies. They immerse themselves and are so full of joy. An example is my little 5 yr. old granddaughter. Whenever we do things together she just beams. We made scones this morning, and she did a great job. It really lifted her spirits, too. Sharing love as we work together is a good recipe for joy and experiencing childlike wonder.
As adults, with all our responsibilities, I think sometimes we lose our sense of wonder. We get so busy and overwhelmed and then fatigue sets in. Maybe we even start to think of the work as drudgery and look forward to the time we’ll be done so we can crash. But what if we changed our perspectives and looked for ways to show gratitude? Sure, the work may get really hard, but our attitudes make a big difference in how we approach it.
REGAINING CHILDLIKE WONDER
Giving thanks to God as we begin each new day is a good place to start. At the same time we can ask for strength for the day and the courage we need to face the trials. What if we became more like children and were able to immerse ourselves totally into what we are doing? I don’t mean acting childish but regaining that childlike wonder and excitement at even simple things.
My granddaughter shows so much joy and hope as she runs outside or waters the garden. Everything is like a new-found joy, and she’s not afraid to show it. I have regained some of that childlike wonder by spending time with her. She makes me remember parts of my childhood and helps me find the joy and hope right here in our everyday lives. It brings such freedom!
USING PHOTOGRAPHY AND POETRY TO SPARK WONDER
Last night, I realized I had not written about hope for a while. It is my #oneword for the year, and I am determined to find ways to focus on it. When I do, it always lifts my spirits and reminds me of the sure hope we have in Christ. So, I decided to check the online magnetic poetry kits and see if any had the word “hope” or any of its synonyms. I was not disappointed.
After playing around with the words and arranging them in various ways, I came up with a poem I liked. Then, I added it to a photo. I think it captures well the desire to show love, have hope and always keep a sense of childlike wonder. May it encourage you to look for the good, dare to dream and enjoy good times with loved ones. May you always have faith, hope and love.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16)
I’m linking up with: One Word Linkup for May, #InspireMeMonday
I love watching the light go in when a child makes a new discovery.
JOY
WONDER
AWE
Yes, Barb, you are right – joy, wonder and awe – and they just beam! Blessings to you!
Yes, those little children surely keep our hearts looking for wonder, don’t they? Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts that join hope and wonder together. It’s a different way to look at hope, but it’s such a gift from the Lord! Grandma-blessings to you dear sister! Xoxo
Thank you, dear Bettie! Yes, it is a different way but so fitting, isn’t it? Yes, a gift from the Lord. Grandma blessings right back to you! xoxo
This is so very encouraging, Gayl. “Dare to dream of possibility”. It reminds me of this worship song:
https://youtu.be/EqYBXFYYsxc
What a gift from God little L. is. Oh may my heart return to that childlike awe and wonder. It’s funny because just last night I was reading in an old journal and came across my list of 5 themes that reflect what I want to see in my life – in response to a friend’s question. Childlike wonder and awe was my number 1 and yet reading this now I see how much I have lost that.
Praise God that there is fullness of redemption in Christ Jesus. Oh may He restore that childlike awe and wonder in me – in us all, turning our worries and fears into praises for His grace to us – into JOY (which also means to acknowledge God’s grace). May we – just as you have here- en-joy Him: may we enter into the acknowledgement of His grace in every place worries and fears are now rooted in our hearts that praise might pour forth from our lips- as they have from you here – with that praise uprooting our worries and fears and replacing them with faith- with our being persuaded of God’s nearness, goodness and mercy and His fullness of redemption for us.
Yes, she is such a blessing to me! Just think if we could all regain that sense of childlike wonder and like you said, Anna, “turning our worries and fears into praises for His grace to us – into JOY.” Amen! God is always with us and we sometimes forget to acknowledge Him, trying to do things in our own strength. Blessings and love to you, dear friend! xoxo And thank you for sharing my post on your blog!
Dear Gayl,
I love your beautiful poem, and your post about hope. It is so true‼️ Our beautiful granddaughter is such a delight. She embraces life in the moment. She is so full of joy and love. I love watching her run,
play, and laugh. She is so very precious ❤️❗She reminds me by example to find joy in the simple things🥰❗I feel so blessed to be her Grandma, and to call her other Grandma my friend❤️❗God bless you, Gayl🙏❗
Your friend,
Grandma Terry (The other Grandma🥰)
Thank you so much, Terry! We do share such a precious granddaughter, don’t we? I know we both love her very much. What a joy to have her near with her beautiful, sweet spirit. Yes, we are blessed! Blessings and love to you!
I love this online magnetic poetry kit! I bookmarked this tab. Thanks for always encouraging our creativity, Gayl!
Yes, a friend introduced me to it a few years ago. It’s so fun! I’m always happy to encourage others to be creative! Blessings to you, Lisa! xo
Children are a gift. Your poem captures the wonder and joy that is available to us.
Yes, children really are a gift! I’m glad you enjoyed my poem. Thank you and blessings to you, Carol!
I appreciate this encouragement to cultivate childlike wonder, Gayl.
Thank you, Lisa! I really think it’s important to have that sense of wonder. Blessings to you!
Children sure do bring a spark to life. I have always said that toddlers are my favorite people. Time spent with our granddaughters has always brought laughter and joy. I love your poem and well, everything about this post!
Yes, they really do bring a spark! I love spending time with my grandchildren. It’s always such a blessed time. I’m so glad you loved the poem and the whole post. Thanks so much. Blessings to you, Joanne! xo
What a sweet photo of your granddaughter, Gayl, and a precious memory to share together.
Thank you for this encouragement today. I need to revisit my word of the year.
Blessings,
Tammy
Thank you, Tammy! Yes, it was a special time together! I’m glad you were encouraged. Blessings to you!