Simple Things--Reflections on Bubbles and Butterflies

By the time you're ten or twelve, the fascination with simple things like butterflies and bubbles is pretty much over. For my older children, the world has gotten pretty big. Michael, for instance, is waiting with bated breath to learn whether or not the International Astronomical Union will vote to include three new planets in our current solar system lineup. Anna and Samuel, though, aren't too concerned about such things. For them, the world is still small and deliciously new--full of paths to be explored, bits of nature to be discovered, and words to be practiced: "Bubble, bubble!"

The other day, Anna watched a moth on the front porch rail opening and closing its fragile, intricately detailed wings. With delight, she squealed "Peek-A-Boo," as if a new playmate had joined her game. I may have overlooked the small beguilement of watching this miracle of nature, and reflecting on the metamorphosis that had brought all this to pass, if not for her infant pleasure. Though at times I feel a bit stretched between two worlds--preteens and toddlers--I know this is my Heavenly Father's way of teaching me, again and again, to savor the joys of simple things!