The opportunity for these photographs fell into my lap this morning--literally. With the rosy sun lighting up the garnet-reds in our bedroom, my son got up and decided this--this moment right here--was the moment he would roll back and forth, this way and that, over and over, across my lap, under my legs, tangling the blanket, enjoying himself like a cat in a basket of fresh-laundered linen.
This? I thought. This is fun for you?
But I try to take it all in stride. I share the handicap of our culture: I am always looking forward. To the next task, the next holiday, the next appointment, the next meal, the next thing. But I have had the privilege to experience joy, and when I have, it has not been a joy in something not-yet-realized. It is a joy in whatever thing I am doing or seeing or feeling right now.
It is an unspeakable, soaring joy, lasting only for moments: while driving on a bright morning, with a long, smooth road and an as-yet-unwritten day ahead of me, full of potential. It is in certain notes slung together, hitting a chord more spiritual that physical, that bring forth un-summoned tears. And, it must be, in the feel of a soft fleece blanket, warmed by sunshine, and the safe disorientation that melts everything into a joyful, vibrant now.
The simplicity of my son's happiness is a reminder to me to take joy in every moment. It's something I'm working on, something I'll have to keep working on, actively, until I enter the perfect, joyful now of eternity.
For further reading on these themes, see Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis and Take Joy by Jane Yolen.
2nd one is my favorite! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI agree. His eyes! I literally gasped when I saw them. So beautiful.
DeleteThank you so much, you two. He has his father to thank for that.
DeleteThese are so beautiful! Brought out so many emotions in me, really! Your son's eyes contrast with the blanket is just stunning! I agree...so so hard to live in the glorious moment.
ReplyDeleteHe has the clearest color eyes, but their very wide, almond shape gives them character, I think. Thank you so much for your comment. <3
DeleteTotally feeling this. I spend so much time being afraid that I'm not going to get everything done... and yet the moments of joy happen with the garden, with the piano, in some time with my fictional characters, or in an offhand conversation with Lou... or just in the sunshine, letting everything slide. It seems like those moments are always worth stopping for.
ReplyDeleteAnd I share your blessed little boy's love for fleece blankets. :)
Or the conversation of a like-minded, fantastic friend! ;)
DeleteThat too... have I mentioned that you and Masha have rocked my world? ;)
DeleteBeautiful. =)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Natalie. c:
DeleteYour son's eyes are incredible. The middle shot is gorgeous, but I like the others as well.
ReplyDeleteI am like you (and the rest of our culture) with the looking forward and not taking a moment to enjoy the here and now. Today I took some time to just hang out with my kids and we had a blast. I could tell their little hearts will filled right up with love.