Monday, November 8, 2021

Coloring Life With Joy

 


People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them.  When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." ~Luke 18:15-17

My daughter, Sarah, sends me this photo of our youngest granddaughter, Alexandra, with the explanation:  "Alexandra is lining up the leaves she collected on her way back from the bus stop."

I love this colorful arrangement she has made, seemingly on the spur of the moment, and then I stop and think.  When Alexandra is only four, the family moves to Conway, South Carolina.  There aren't many deciduous trees in that locale, so she would not have seen the brilliant colors that autumn has to offer in so many places in our country.  And she is too young to have vivid memories of living in North Georgia.

Now, in Raleigh, North Carolina, this is a brand-new encounter and delight to Alexandra's palate of life's experiences.  She is seeing the splendor of these leaves rich colors for the first time.  Her reaction?  She needs to pay homage.

Such beauty and elegance can't casually be passed by, but must be cherished and honored in a formal recognition deserving of every fallen leaf.  And I'm reminded of how we, as adults, place flowers, or other meaningful memorials, on the graves of our loved ones.

Alexandra, whether she is aware of it or not, is honoring God and His creation.  She has taken note of the loveliness all around her, and has tried her best to imitate that in order to align with her six-year-old perceptions.  Innocent and free, she has no notions of grandeur, only pleasure in the act itself.

May we all come to the Father as little children, expectant, loving and giving, secure in the knowledge that He will color our lives with joy.

Amen!

39 comments:

  1. "May we all come to the Father as little children, expectant, loving and giving, secure in the knowledge that He will colour our lives with joy."

    Amen, Martha. You said it so well. What more can I add?

    God bless you and your whole family always.

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    1. Thank you, Victor, for your kind words here. Yes, may we all approach our Father with the innocence of a child.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Oh, I love this reflection...what a beautiful way of seeing what Alexandra is seeing in her own 6 year old way! Really really special. And I must have missed that they moved again to NC. I hope they are happy there and enjoying the new seasons, home, school, etc. And I hope you get to be together very soon!!! (((hugs)))

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    1. So glad you enjoyed this reflection, Pam. Yes, they did move again, and God willing, we will be spending Thanksgiving with the whole gang. They do seem to be enjoying their new home; children adjust so well, don't they?
      Love and blessings!

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  3. It's a wonderful thing to see the natural world through the eyes of a child.

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    1. Isn't it though? There is so much we can learn when we watch through and with the eyes of a child, Glynn.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Oh my heart! Nature's ordinary leavings, made extraordinary through the eyes of a child. I didn't realize your daughter and family had relocated; what a delight you and Danny will have in store!

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    1. Children have that gift of making us see the extraordinary in the ordinary, Myra. So thankful for the eyes of a child! Yes, Danny and I are so looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with all of them.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. I enjoyed this reflection - it really is a wonderful thing to see the world through the eyes of a child.

    Love the beautiful photo.

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    1. Absolutely, Veronica! Seeing through the eyes of a child is such a gift. Glad you liked the photo of Alexandra. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Dearest Martha Jane,
    The pureness of any child that age is something we should ponder a bit more about...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  7. Oh the beautiful innocence of a child in wonder. Would that we might never forget what it is like.

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    1. May we ever remember, Bill, that Jesus told us we are closest to the kingdom when we see through a child's eyes.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Another life-lesson from a child: savor and celebrate ALL the goodness of God. Thank you, Alexandra! And AMEN to your closing thought also, Martha: He does color my life with joy!

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    1. Absolutely, Nancy, we are to notice and celebrate all the goodness God places before us, at all times and in all places. May your life be colored by joy!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. So sweet, Martha. I was not aware of them moving. I like Alexandra's collection. God bless!

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    1. Thank you, Karen! Yes, I like her collection, too. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Brilliant innocence and didn't Jesus know all about that! Alexandra is so pretty and her she is just beaming with joy. Beautiful, Martha. xo

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    1. Thank you, Terri! Yes, she is beaming as brightly as the fall leaves she has collected.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. What a gift childhood is!
    Blessings, Martha!

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    1. Absolutely, Lulu - childhood is such a precious gift and time of life.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. What a wonderful gift! A precious pretty little girl and all that creativity in her heart. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Anne! Yes, Alexandra is quite the creative child.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. What a great picture and thank you for the post, it is true... we must become like the children!

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    1. Amen, Marja, like little children!
      Love and blessings!

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  14. Replies
    1. Thank you, Bernie! I must agree that Alexandra is one little cutie.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Boa tarde Martha. Que o nosso Deus continue a derramar grandes bênçãos sobre a sua linda família.

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    1. Thank you so much, Luiz! May God bless you and yours, too.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. What a sweet blessing that must've been. I think little Miss Alexandra will be getting extra tight hugs next time they come to visit. Loved your viewpoint on this. God's blessings ma'am.

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    1. The good news, J. D., is that we will be seeing the entire family soon as we are spending Thanksgiving with them. Yes, I can't wait to give and get those hugs!
      Love and blessings!

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  17. This is so beautifully written, and I love the parable/life teaching you garnered out of such a precious moment. Its so true, the things that we take for granted, are incredible blessings from the Lord. May we never forget to be thankful!

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    1. I'm so glad this post spoke to your heart, Marilyn. Yes, we do take so much for granted when we should be ever thankful for each and every little thing God sends our way.
      Love and blessings!

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  18. Seeing life through the eyes of children - I love it

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