Monday, November 24, 2014

Through a Child's Eyes - Finding Joy

Last week we had our first snow.  It came in the night, and we had some excited little boys the next day.  Once the sun came out, they begged to be bundled up to go out.  As is typically the case, it took fifteen minutes to find all of the gear and get everyone suited up, and three minutes later, two boys were back inside ready to take it all off again.  However, Carter stayed out.  So, I thought I'd sneak around the back and see if I could catch a couple of shots of him without him knowing...







His joy.  His pure joy.  He was all alone outside - one who tends to enjoy the company of his brothers - and yet, he was taking it all in.  Alone.  As I watched him, I quickly realized that it's been awhile since I've experienced that joy.  Don't get me wrong...there are things the kids do every day that remind me of what miracles we are blessed with.  My heart swells, and I become more and more vulnerable with each minute I love them more.  Seeing their daddy love them is one of the most beautiful parts of my days, too.  Those things are my favorite joy.  


However, I think these photos illustrate the heart of a child in a way words cannot.  They see pure beauty for exactly what it is...a source of joy.  Carter didn't have to have anyone there to push him toward having more fun.  He didn't need anything to accompany this moment.  He was just there...fully present...with the beauty of a gift received.  And, he welcomed that accompanying joy with wide open arms.  

Then, he saw me.




And he let Amos and me in on his fun, with a few snowballs tossed toward the both of us.




He didn't want to go in.  He was loving it, even with his snow-soaked pants and frozen little toes.

He eventually did, and was welcomed with hot chocolate "swimming with marshmallows."

His excitement, over what some may see as a ordinary thing (me often included), reminded me of the choices I have each day...to focus on the ordinary or to find the extraordinary in it.  This moment - seeing my baby smiling from ear to ear - is a perfect precursor for the season of Advent ahead.  In the midst of the craziness that surrounds the Christmas season, the image of Carter in the snow will daily remind me to slow down...our lives, our hearts and our home...in order to truly see the joy in the gift we will soon receive.

I hope it's a blessed one for you!



25 comments :

  1. These photos are some of your best! It's amazing to see things through the kids. It is so easy to lose that wonder!

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    1. Thank you so much, Caitlyn! It was so fun to see him knowing he had no clue I was there.

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  2. I loved this post! So timely for me...I've been trying to be more intentional with finding joy in the everyday too. Maybe I just need to follow my kids :)

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    1. It sure does help! However, some days they just teach me that I have no patience, haha!

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    1. Thank you! And, thanks for taking the time to comment!

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  4. Goodness, Britt. These pictures are just amazing. The sun and the snow and sweet Carter. Perfect. And what a good lesson that goes right along with it.

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  5. Oh, this is so beautiful! I love his little face to happy in the snow! Love, love, love

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  6. This honestly made me cry. Your photos, your precious boy, your beautiful reflection. I loved this so much.

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  7. Such wonderful photos of your boy! Truly, what joy!

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  8. This post made me so happy. :)

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  9. Amos is having a good time in the snow with his buddy Carter! The photos are so gorgeous. You should start a photography business. ;-)

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    1. You are the best, Amy! Yes, Amos is taking a lot. However, he's just gotten big enough to be a force for these boys, haha. Watch out!

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  10. Beautiful pictures, beautiful post! Love it, Britt!

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  11. Beautiful! Thank you for a much-needed Monday pickmeup!

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    1. Oh gosh, thanks Emily! This just was a pick-me-up for me, too!

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  12. Just beautiful, Britt!

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  13. What a beautiful, beautiful post, Britt! Love your photography, and love your message even more. Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving...

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    1. You are so, so kind! I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too and and even better Advent!

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  14. This may be one of my favorites of all of your posts! Such a great reminder to us Mom's!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jill. I really need the reminder every.single.day.

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