Deuteronomy 11:18-21
“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.” (NLT)

Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. (MSG)

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I love going places and doing things with small children. There are two little ones I dearly love accompanying on journeys and adventures. Something about a wee one makes a trip to the park a daring adventure. 

A photo in the rotation on the Home Screen of my iPhone reminds us of such a day. My senior adult bride is crawling through the playground tunnel our younger granddaughter has just emerged from while that granddaughter is considering her next step which will place her on the big slide and the quick trip to my waiting arms. 

The little one’s body is turned just so, her sun hat situated for maximum protection, her red cheeks declaring the heat of the morning and the coming need for a smoothie, and her knees are bent ever-so-slightly in preparation for those last two steps. 

What have we learned here today?

Our granddaughter has learned that Grandma will go anywhere and do anything with her. She will squeeze into places not meant for her so that she can enjoy up-close and personal playtime with those she loves so much. Our granddaughter has also learned that no matter how big and scary playground equipment appears, it’s all meant for fun, especially when others play along. She also learned her grandfather’s sore shoulder and aching back do not prevent him from waiting at the bottom of the slide to grab her, hold her high, and tell her how proud of her he is.

This precious little one and others like her learn the lessons of love and laughter they want to repeat again and again, as do their elders. 

Life’s best lessons are often learned along the way. They are learned in the doing of this and that. They are discovered by observation and questions. Lots and lots of questions. As challenging as the questions can become, it is a sad day when they come less frequently.

Why do dogs bark? How do birds fly, and why can’t I? What’s a good snake? Why is that car going so fast? Why do I have to take a nap? Why do we have to put the toys away? (You know you are too much of an adult if you rewrote that last sentence in your head to say, “put away the toys.”)

Every outing with a little one is an opportunity to discuss what matters. Little lessons learned on the way pile up big in little hearts and minds. They are building blocks leading to bigger questions, broader lessons, and deeper meaning. 

The listening ears of adults in the company of children in discovery mode lead to conversations of consequence that shape lives. Listen deeply. Stoke the wonder. Enjoy the awe. Explore God’s wonderful world in the company of an expert question-asker and lesson learner. Tie immediate observation to eternal truth. 

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I will spend more time in the presence of our little ones to enjoy the wonder of their worlds.

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Our Father, empower me for full partnership with our little ones on their journey of discovery. Bless us with endless delights in one another’s company. Teach us your truths and delights through this wonderful world you have created. Amen.