I hear the thump, thump, thump…

… of his little knees hitting the floors in unison with the clapping of his hands and a chorus of da-da-da. I had just snuck into the kitchen to warm up my coffee while he was distracted with the squishy silicone toy that fit so perfectly in his mouth.

His little face appears in the doorway, looking up, scanning the room to find me. Our eyes meet and he smiles from ear to ear. I’d love to let him explore but it’s been decades since my home was last baby-proofed, so I scoop him up in my arms and I am rewarded with a giggle. His eyes move around the room, pausing at the lights or a plant, reaching to touch the things he’s never seen, and testing to see what he is allowed to put in his mouth.

 At ten months, we can assume he has yet to explore millions of images, sounds, and tastes. He is curious and unafraid until he learns not to be.

 I wonder at fifty-six, if I can learn to be the same.

 "What a wildly wonderful world, GOD! You made it all, with wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations"
Psalm 104:24 (The Message)

 Recently we experienced nights of wonder as the northern lights moved far past their normal boundaries, lighting up the sky near my home with a show I’ve only dreamed of. The internet was flooded with startling images captured with tools as simple as a phone. It seemed for a short time this beauty might pull mankind together, making us believe beyond our ability to control.

 Yes, there are very scientific reasons why the auroras occur, but isn’t it wonderful to consider the work of a Master Artist who has just presented the world with his most recent masterpiece? Wasn’t it comforting to look into the night sky and feel that close to our Creator?

 I’ve always been a big fan of sunrise, especially if I’m in a wide-open space where I can watch the colors change just before the bright orange ball of fire peeks over the horizon. I feel close to God during those early morning moments. He offers me the gift of a new day and as I sit in the quiet, I am reassured that He loves me. I offer my humble gift of praise along with my secrets, my thanks, and my worries.

 But, as much as I love to watch the sunrise, I know the sun is going to rise. I even know what time it’s going to happen and how I will spend my time with God. How wonderful that He chose to surprise me with the splash of green and purple in the night sky. I love that He wants to share this world in a way that takes my breath away.

 Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could enter each day searching with the curiosity of a ten-month-old? What have I yet to encounter? An unfamiliar taste, sound, or sight might be unlikely, but what about a new acquaintance, a new piece of art, or a new song? What about the book that’s waiting patiently by the bedside to be opened and explored? A new hobby or skill to master? How about a trip to a place with new everything, immersed in a culture to learn and teach and grow?

 How wonderful to live in a world full of so many things… has anyone ever experienced all it has to offer?

 His sweet little hands reach up, one on each side of my face. He touches his little nose to mine… Na-Na-Na-Na. He loves me. He trusts me and I pray he will allow me to teach him and wonder with him all the days of my life. I have never felt such a desire to share my world with anyone. Maybe it’s because I know my time with him is limited- not because I’m sick, but because I am his grandma. He doesn’t live with me, so our moments together are sometimes weeks apart. I also know how busy his life will become in a few short years.

 Ten months ago, I didn’t know this love, but I knew the love of my Creator who offers gifts to me every day. I’m thankful to be able to share a life of love and wonder learned from His example with this sweet little boy.

 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Psalms 96:11-12 (NIV)