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Small Moments

Learning to Slow Down and Observe Your World

By George Ayres

hildren certainly not insignificant. Those things are what spawn curious minds. They're what provoke questions and discovery. Sometimes while we hurry from place to place, they're putting things into perspective to make sense of their own lives.

One night a few months ago when Mars was visible and close to the moon, I walked my four girls out into the front yard. It was dark and the night air had just turned cooler, and an easy breeze moved the tree branches. After we spotted Mars and talked about how bright it was, I turned and started back toward the house. But Liza and Hallie, my 8-year-old twins, instantly spotted the Little Dipper and pointed it out to Phoebe, my 5-year-old. Then they all tried to show it to Miranda, leaning close to her face, pointing with their arms toward the stars.

I thought about how many times I'd driven into the driveway at night and never once looked up at the stars or searched for the Little Dipper. I was suddenly mad at myself for acting so calloused about the world around me. Right then and there, I vowed to slow down and take a closer look at the things I usually don't stop to notice.

More and more these days I find myself paying closer attention to what Miranda sees. Am I neglecting anything in the adult world? Falling behind with work? Missing any deadlines? No, not so far. Maybe every once in a while, we should all give it a try. Take a few minutes to watch an insect or gaze up at the stars. With our children, those moments are priceless and fleeting. Who knows? We might even learn something.