I just read a delightful comment here about experiencing the new Narnia film with the comments of a small child behind him. I can see the laughter in Wes's eyes and voice as he re-tells this addition to the movie. I often hear people say that Christmas is for children, and of course we want to be the child in that statement as well. But in this moment, reading McNair's outline and the comment my memory sorts through the archives and retrieves moments of inhaling the wonder of wisdom from a person of very few years. You know, those profound moments that when remembered you find such beauty?
Paul used to love to be read to from books on animals, and the most recent one had been describing birds with large beaks. At the dinner table he sat quietly, as my Aunt and Uncle had instructed him to, and to speak only when spoken to. There were often guests at their dinner table and that evening Mr Hill was visiting. When the meal was finished and Paul was excused he turned to Mr Hill, studying his large nose, and seriously inquired of him "are you a horned bill?".
Alicia is just 2 1/2 now and recently she has learned that inquiring about her parents day would be a suitable activity at the dinner table. She places her elbows on the table, her chin in her hands and asks her father, "how was your day Daddy?". When that is finished she asks her mother the same question.
I took two of my nephews to California when they were age 7 and 9. Disneyland was enjoyed but the highlight for Colin was Hearst Castle. One of the stops was the massive library where, out of the crowd came Colin's little voice "please can you tell me how many books are in this library?.
Taking children out to lunch on Sunday was one of my favourites times of getting to know them. One Sunday I had 4 boys along at the restaurant, ages 11, 10, 9 and 4. Asking them what they were going to do when they were finished school gave some great insight as to how they could dream, and what they already knew about themselves. The 11 year old had no clue, and he had never been encouraged to dream. The 10 year old loved food so he thought he would be a food editor and go to all the best restaurants in town. The 9 year old had already spent 2 years learning how to live with juvenile diabetes and had become one who wanted information and knowledge. He was going to be a book illustrator. Josh, the 4 year old was already reading encyclopaedia's for information and he didn't hesitate for a moment when he responded with "I will be a managing director".
Christmas may be our excuse to let the child within have fun but as I remember these titbits I wonder if it isn't a reminder to my own heart to let the wonder and the beauty of spontaneity and fun be the child like part of this adult. To always live with wide eyed wonder and exploration, to never be afraid to be like Lucy, who stepped out of the wardrobe and into the adventure with such curiosity and amazement. There is also the remembering of being full of questions as a child, and my heart and head still are asking questions, still wondering, still wanting to know more. Hmmm those are some good words to keep in mind as these last few days of the year unfold.