Lessons Learned from a Child’s Moment of Delight

Hmmm, where better to
turn for perspective than the eyes of a child?

It has been a troubling
week. COVID-19 and the restrictions around it continue to weigh heavy on us.
News that several major retail corporations have filed for bankruptcy, in part
because of the COVID-19 lockdown, gives us more cause for concern about the
state of the economy.

The unfortunate
highlight, or perhaps I should say lowlight, of the week was the shocking case
of George Floyd’s death and the police officers involved. The violent protests
across the U.S. and Canada stirred the already boiling pot.

We all deal with stress
differently. One of my tactics is the comfort of routine. My daily work at home
routine includes 15 minute walks mid-morning and mid-afternoon and a 30 to 40
minute walk around the neighbourhood at the end of the day. Structure keeps me
sane.

These walks also give me
time to observe human behaviour. It is very much a mixed bag out there these
days.

On the one hand, some
people are getting back to normal. Sitting on their porches drinking coffee and
reading the newspaper. Talking their dog for a walk, or letting their dog walk
them, as the case may be. Teaching their kids to ride a bicycle. Doing home
improvement projects.

On the other hand,
distrustful people still peer out their windows with displeasure as if I am being
irresponsible being outdoors. I have seen people wearing a face mask while
cutting their grass or just stepping out to pick up the newspaper. Hand-made do not enter if… signs are still
plastered on store doors and windows.

We are still a society divided
at present. But earlier I witnessed a scene that brought a smile to my face and
gave me hope for our collective consciousness.

A young father was washing
his car using a spray gun attached to a garden hose. His daughter, who appeared
to be 3 or 4 years of age, was intent on getting in on the act as young
children do to stay at the center of their parents’ lives.

The father paused a
moment to send a spray of water over his daughter. The child shrieked in
delight, giggled, toddled away on her small legs, and then came back for more.
Another spray of water, another shriek and giggle. Another retreat and return.
I could not help but smile and be reassured at the heartwarming scene.

I do not know how much
the child understands about COVID-19 and its impact. She may be too young to
fully grasp what is happening. But at the same time, she is likely aware that
things are not quite normal. But she is not letting the situation dampen her
spirits. We can take valuable lessons in the current environment from this
carefree child.

Lesson: Take pleasure in the simple things. Lesson: Live fully in the moment. Lesson: Have faith that life is
essentially good and can be trusted to see us through today. Lesson: Tomorrow is a day away and not
to be worried about until it arrives.

So let us take delight
in the simple moments. They may be fleeting. But if we string such moments
together, they become a treasured necklace we can wear to carry us through the
trying days when life is not so kind.

~  Now Available Online
from Amazon, Chapters Indigo or Barnes & Noble: Hunting Muskie, Rites of
Passage – Stories by Michael Robert Dyet

~ Michael Robert Dyet is also
the author of Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel which
was a double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s
website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com .

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