Zoo

With his eyes open wide and his mouth in the hugest smile his little chubby fingers were all held together straight up as he waved vigorously back and forth out the sides of the train ...continuously ...the whole train ride ...around the entire St.Louis Zoo. Who has this kind of enthusiasm?! Who has this kind of stamina?! Who has this kind of joy?! A 2 year old. Charlie was the picture of "spirit" today at the zoo as he waved on the train, jumped for joy at the sea lion show clapping and ooooing and ahhhhhing, and just fully exhausted every aspect of our outing. When he liked something he smiled and pointed and laughed. When he didn't like something he put his face down on the ground and cried a bit, or he ran away screaming. He was fully honest and straightforward about his feelings all day. This gift of communication that my 2 year old has is something we should all aspire to. Having had several discussions with friends recently about troubles in their families or relationships, the problems always came down to communication. If only we all could be as candid and open and honest about our feelings as a 2 year old is! Admittedly, it COULD get us into some trouble, but I really believe it would also really help us in our relationships. It seems lately I keep writing in the evenings about all these characteristics of children that we should aspire to take on. You know, the Jesus DID say to try to be like children. I think to be as honest as a child and as trusting and as simple in some ways could really help us lead lives that celebrate our days and each other more often. I pray I can have the enthusiasm, honesty and faith of a child.