Children, especially toddlers, are the most amazing humans. Well, that is my opinion. Being in the “Mimi” stage of life can bring a much different perspective of said humans, as I give them back at the end of our time together, and that can make all the difference in the world.
For now, I get to experience toddlerhood with our littlest one four days a week. We have been thrust into darkness which settles in now about 4:30 in the afternoon and with winter approaching, it usually means less time outdoors after naps.
But for the last week, the temps have been gloriously springlike which made me think, “Let’s go out and play in the yard in the dark.” And so one night recently, we did just so.
We put on our shoes and jackets and headed out – with our flashlight.
Our littlest one walked around with joy, confidence, and wonder. It was as if she had not ever been in our yard before. With her flashlight ahead of her, she visited every inch of our yard, exploring and exclaiming delight as she even found familiar things.
She marched herself down to our shed which sits in the furthest, and darkest corner of the yard. She has loved seeing the woodchucks poke out from underneath it. Without any fear at all, she shined her flashlight as she called, “Woodchuck, where are you?”
It was a stretch of wonder and wonderment for both of us.
The smallest amount of light brought revelation and discovery. The light dispelled the darkness, bringing confidence and assurance where to walk. The more we walked about, the more we discovered and were delighted.
And my anxious and weary soul needed to be reminded of all of this –
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
(John 1:5, NLT)
As we walked around in the dark, I sang the familiar words to the childhood song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” The little one immediately laughed at the song about her little light. But she picked it up pretty quickly and I have been singing it since.
Perhaps we all need to remind ourselves of how greatly The Light is needed these days.
Today I am joining …
Joanne,
What a tender, fun, and enlightening post – literally! How great that you got to explore in the dark with your granddaughter and be reminded that even the smallest light breaks the chains of darkness. Needed this reminder today!
Blessings Mimi!
Bev xx
Bev, it is a precious memory I will forever hold in my heart. I love when God whispers His truth to my heart through my little ones. Blessings! xo
Jo, I absolutely loved this! I was right there with you in every picture!!!!
I always sang that song to my grandkids!!!! Nowadays, I sing: “ Brighten the corner where you are!”
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🙂 I love it – another old song!
What a sweet post! And what a great spiritual parallel.
This is beautiful! We can learn a lot from children, and yes, even a little light makes a huge difference in the darkness.
Over the years, I have often felt that the Lord grew me up spiritually while I was in the midst of watching my children grow up. And now He is doing the same through my granddaughters. They are the best and most precious lessons.
What a fun precious memory for you both! This made me smile and put the song on replay in my mind. Thank you!