Never Lose Your Sense of Wonder
As I look at the picture of the lit Christmas tree and my grandson staring at it in wonder, it reminds me of all of the beauty and hope that can be found in life. This little boy is rarely still, but the wonder and beauty of a lit Christmas tree caused him to stop and stare. I wish I could know what he was thinking about as he gazed at that lit Christmas tree! All I know for sure is the smile on his face makes my heart happy!
My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1998. She was told that it was terminal, and she had 6 months left to live. All hope was gone with that dreadful news from her doctor. Then, she found an alternative treatment that sparked hope for her once again. She and my dad went to Mexico so she could undergo treatment. It was expensive and took her away from her family for a few months. That treatment was just what she needed at that time in her life to restore her hope. It didn’t save her life, but it did provide her with a few months of hope and joy. That treatment was priceless!
During the last few months of my mom's life, I remember her staring off into the distance. Similar to how my grandson was looking at that lit Christmas tree. When I would ask her what she was thinking about, she would remark on the beauty of the clouds in the sky or the changing fall leaves. My mother was always a very busy person. She often worked more than 1 job at a time, kept an immaculate house, and served in her local church. Sitting still was not something she did well. After her diagnosis, she slowed down. Sadly, tragedy has a way of slowing us down. She enjoyed the seasons….probably because she knew it would be her last. She enjoyed time with her family. She enjoyed many of the small, beautiful parts of living life!
We don’t have to wait for an illness or tragedy in life to slow us down. We can enjoy what God has given us. Each day, we get to choose. Choose to enjoy the small things in life! Choose to be present, stop and stare, and never lose your sense of wonder!!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. -Romans 15:13
