Being around children in the summertime is like having your cake with ice cream … every day of the week. It’s the perfect serving of a wallop of sweetness topped with a refreshing blast of coolness. What makes summertime extra special is the carefree taste of freedom that exudes from a child when they know they have the entire day at their disposal to play.
Often, if you pay really close attention to a child’s eyes as you chat with them, something amazing will happen. Their words will convey their intended message, but their eyes will transport you to a world that as adults we too willingly give up. It’s wonderful when it happens.
Recently, I was conversing with one of the neighborhood kids as a group of them converged on our front porch to play, and I casually asked how his summer was going.
“We’re going to the place where dreams come true this summer,” he said shyly.
He didn’t quite know when they were going, or the exact name of their destination (although one could probably guess where that might be), but his eyes conveyed the same wondrous anticipation I remember feeling the very first time I went to “the place where dreams come true.”
As my family and I went on our own personal adventure this summer, that conversation with my little 6-year-old friend stayed with me and gave me a unique perspective. One that I hope to employ much more often in all aspects of my life. A child’s viewpoint is a beautiful thing. I often wonder why we so willingly give it up.
It’s interesting how a change in perspective can completely alter an experience, particularly one that you might have had before. We spent a few days at Sea World and Discovery Cove in Orlando thoroughly enjoying the ability to interact with some of nature’s most incredible sea creatures in a unique environment. That glorious anticipation I saw in my little neighbor’s eyes that afternoon when we spoke of his summer plans set the tone for a weekend that I will not soon forget. When you take away the hesitation or the expectations and open up your mind to the thrill of experiencing something new, it’s amazing to find just how mind-boggling an experience can be.
Comments on: "A Child’s Viewpoint" (1)
I get that look from my kids when they are explaining anything to me. They are so cute! Keep the blogs coming read this one to Gavin since the little stinker is still awake!