He was awake. I had heard him talking on and off behind his closed door, but the babbling started to intrigue me when it became interspersed with squeals of laughter and gasps of awe. “What is he doing?” I wondered.
I assumed his brother must be playing with him, since they shared a room, but why didn’t I hear his brother’s voice?
Another squeal of joy. My curiosity took rise, and I followed it up to the bedroom door, where I quietly turned the knob and prayed I could catch him in the midst of play.
The first thing I noticed was his older brother, asleep in his own bed. “So he’s playing by himself,” I reasoned, intrigued all the more.
He was standing in his crib, looking down at his body, touching his arm that was dotted in little specks of light that were peeking through the blinds. The light was casting dancing sparkles on the edge of his crib and onto the wall as well. He looked up at the wall and slapped at it, and then let go with another squeal of delight.
“He’s playing with the light,” I thought, taken by the moment. His fist reached out with a quick grab at the illuminated wall, and I could see the mystery was baffling his little mind. “He’s trying to catch the light,” I whispered to myself.
“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.” – Matthew 6:22
Now it was my turn to take my own gasp of awe. How simple a delight. Sunshine pouring in at just the right time, in just the right way, to create a magical mobile for my baby, far greater than anything I could have ever purchased in a store. Discovery, exploration, education, right in his own bedroom. I imagined how surprised he must have been when he first opened his eyes and beheld the magical light show. It was, I must admit, quite breathtaking, but I’m pretty sure I would have completely missed it, if it wasn’t for his CHILDLIKE fascination. My children wake me up to simple magic all around me. They awaken me to wonder and I am filled with light.
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Oh, sweet. My heart swells in my chest as I read. Something beautiful. A gift. Thank you.
And love The Message, Matt 6:22. Eyes wide open!
I am convinced that one of the best things about being a mom is getting to see life through the eyes of my kids! I love how they are fascinated with things I would hardly notice.
And to think I ACTUALLY thought I could make it through the day without tears.
Darn it.
Beautiful post. Got me all choked up…both the reality of it and the gorgeous way you painted the scene with your words. Wow.
Oh Mandy, I know this exact moment. About a week ago I witnessed the same thing with my daughter standing in the kitchen with the light beaming through the window. I was struck by how happy and excited it made her to try and catch the light. Everyday I see the same sunbeams but fail to have that sense of wonderment. How I long to see life like that again!