“Dad, are you singing in the shower?”
As I heard the little voice on the other side of the curtain, I stopped my mumbling solo with a smile, “Yes, Chandler, I am singing in the shower.”
“Oh, I thought so” he confidently replied.
My three-year-old son has a way of pointing out the obvious – but often missed – parts of life. He directs my eyes to see things I haven’t noticed for a long time. For example, I forgot how high the Home Depot ceiling really are, or how small an ant is compared to my big toe (or Chandler’s big toe). I often forget to look up at the moon, but Chandler never misses that opportunity. The sound of a neighboring lawn mower can sound a lot like an angry lions purr. And the words “lawn mower” sound more like “Lama” – and that is easier to say anyway.
With life as busy as it is, I often fail to given thanks for the little things. I believe this is one of the reasons God gives us kids – he renews our vision and enthusiasm for life by showing us theirs.
The way my son reminded me that I was singing in the shower was a gentle nudge to remember the joy of life. Often, especially in the mornings when I am in the shower, I am so overwhelmed by what lies ahead that I take for granted the deep-down joy that is already in my heart. I don’t Acknowledge that the sun is already up, my coffee is hot, my family is safe and God is good. All this should cause me to say, Okay, snap out of it grumpy soul – you already have more than you deserve. Carry on with a grateful heart.
Life can be overwhelming and even depressing at times. But our Good God doesn’t want us to walk around with our heads hung low and missing all the wonderful things He wants to show us. A downcast soul has forgotten its hope and therefore forfeited the gift of happiness.
Put your hope in God.
