Focus

I watched my youngest daughter, Kamryn (10 months), play on the living room floor today. She found a small sequin and was fascinated with it. It completely occupied her attention as she worked her tiny fingers to grasp it and move it from hand to hand. Occasionally, it would catch the sunlight and sparkle or cast bluish-green shadows on her skin. It was fun to observe her in a serene mood as she enjoyed a small wonder of life. In my mind I contrasted this moment to any time that she has been upset or angry. During those moments of sincere displeasure and fist-clenching crying fits, I seriously doubt that the magic of the shiny toy would be noticed by her, much less appreciated. Isn't that how we are as a human family?! In the quiet, reflective, grateful moments of life, we can truly admire God's beauty all around us. Alas, for the selfish times of tantrum and strife, when we ignore all else for the instant gratification which we think will make us happy. Such disparity, and yet such opportunity! Perhaps we, as adults, can train our eyes and our hearts to focus on the good and the pure, and resist the enticement to throw fits of our own.