Simple Extraordinary Moments

Today I went to the park with Trinity, and I learned a few things.

When we reached the park, Trinity enthusiastically proclaimed, "I love the rocks." Here was rapturous joy at simply playing on the rocks beside a river. She was wholly present in the moment, fully enjoying the simple pleasures of being alive and being five. Nothing distracted her attention from jumping, singing, skipping along the banks of the river.

I couldn't help but think how discontened I often am in this world--how it is never enough. When was the last time I was awestruck by rocks and the rush of water? Perhaps I have my excuses, such as the weight of adult responsibilities, worries about children and the stresses of aging and more complicated relationships, but they are all excuses. Can we adults really believe that it is acceptable to miss days like today? I never want to breathlessly pursue a better life and forget that my life is already extraordinary.

The lesson today is that the best joys of the world are the simple and pure ones. No TV's. No entertainments. No Facebook. No need for money. No noise. Just a child who doesn't know that the world is anything less than marvelous, and the time to take it in.

After a period of time enjoying the rocks, Trinity spotted another little girl nearby. She went up to the girl and asked, "Can I play with you?" The girl said, "Yes, you can be my friend." And they skipped off holding hands to build castles from the mud. A friendship was forged in thirty seconds.

I thought, when did I cease to be able to do this? When did relationships become so complicated? When did I become such a judge of other men that it requires months of analysis before I can determine whether another is worthy of my friendship?

Today my five year old taught me that love is as simple as surrendering the right to determine who is worthy of love.

Today my five year old reminded me that my joy filled life is enviable, simple, pure, clean, like the crisp fall air, even if I don't see it.