As a child, by afternoon, my ribbons would be sticky from sugar and sunshine.
I would stroll into dusk in a light cotton dress, simple and sweet like lemonade.
An evening bath proceeded prayers, and dreaming came easy, both day and night.
I would wake up with bacon sizzling in the skillet and adventures cooking in my mind.
My only distraction was my imagination, which would change the narrative as new characters appeared: Rolly pollies, turtles, frogs, dragonflies, bees, and butterflies.
I discovered the meaning of temporary when these and other characters came and went – they were not mine to keep but to enjoy for as long as they stayed.
I cultivated peace, patience, and faith by learning to trust that the sun would once again return from behind dark clouds.
New days were untouched clay, and I came to expect, almost desire, opportunities born in the challenge of turning messes into masterpieces.
I lived like I was part of something because I was… even if it were the creation of a memory only known to me.
Oh, what fun to be so alive and curious that I had no time to waste on worry!
Years have made me older, and many memories have faded alongside my ribbons.
But the sweetness of life still lingers, and I can taste its goodness upon my lips when I speak in love.
And my heart still moves in directions, deep and wide, that move me far beyond what I can see.
My sense of adventure and curiosity remains even though my energy has waned as my responsibilities have gained.
I have come to know many more characters; some left too soon, others not soon enough.
Time has skipped faster than my feet, and yet, I am content in knowing I am where all my experiences have led me.
And in this place, I am to love, learn, and grow in grace and faith.
For what can I do today that I cannot do yesterday or tomorrow? Simple: I have but today to live. All else holds no breath, no pulse.
“This is the day that the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
To rejoice takes little but requires intentional practice, and we often get out of the habit as we age. Even playing becomes a scheduled event. Yet, as a child, everything was an opportunity to explore with wonder, determination, and joy.
Each day still brings its own messes, and I must take the time to recognize what is and what could be based on my perspective, perseverance, and purpose according to God’s will.
Simple pleasures are often discounted by bigger problems and challenging circumstances. Yet, regardless of intentions, these things remain.
As such, I must embrace the curious nature of the unabashed child, uncovering joy within the mess and redirecting my focus to God’s ability to create a masterpiece from broken pieces.
Friend, may we never lose our awe of what God can do and live in confidence that His work will continue to be accomplished in our lives.
Delight in the joy found in the Lord, lean into the guidance of the Holy Spirit and rest in the authority of Christ Jesus.
One day, the child in me will take my wrinkled hand, and I will dance into Heaven with eternal praise upon my lips, as sweet and simple as lemonade. I will have no time to waste on worry as I will be filled with elation and devotion in worship.
May I work toward this effort now without delay. For when I truly focus on the right things, I find so much more to be grateful for than the wrongs I often notice.
My prayer is the same for you: I wish you ribbons of blessings that never fade and childlike curiosity that keeps you focused on the power of God, both in and around you.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.