Joy in the Little Moments: A Lesson from a Child and Scripture

With tiny fingers and a runny nose, she reached for me. A bundle of 14 months full of joy, happiness, and pure cuteness. It surprised me the first time it happened—most small children tend to run from me or push away. But not this one. She loved me. I felt incredibly blessed as I took her into my arms and kissed her pudgy cheeks. She was content, and for a few precious minutes, I was overjoyed.

The Rush of Life and What We Miss

We—men especially, though not exclusively—move too fast, work too hard, and stretch ourselves thin, always reaching for things just out of our grasp. In doing so, we often miss the special little moments that make life meaningful.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers us a powerful example. In Luke 2:19, it says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." As a young mother, Mary watched baby Jesus wiggle, smile, cry, and laugh. Her mission was extraordinary. While Mary is not to be worshipped or placed above any other mother, imagine the wonder of watching Jesus grow—of seeing Him stretch, run, work, and play.

Embracing Stillness: A Psalm’s Reminder

God encourages us to pause and enjoy life’s quiet moments. Psalm 23:2 reminds us: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.”

When was the last time you laid down in the grass and simply rolled around like a child? Sure, many of us would need help getting back up—and we might feel sore the next day—but for a moment, we might laugh, feel pure joy, and reconnect with a childlike spirit.

A Simple Invitation This Spring

Spring is on the way, and I just might be found lying in the grass. If you happen to see an old guy laughing on the ground, maybe give him a hand up—but know that he’s not lost. He’s just remembering what it’s like to pause, laugh, and live in the moment.