Wishing You Beginner Eyes

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

When I rush along without seeing,
When I rush about as though fleeing,
Some time-driven task,
I will stop and ask—
Can I slow, and take time for "being?"

Do you know what I mean by “Beginner Eyes?”

Trip to Wisconsin for extended family gathering
To celebrate the "Giving thanks" holiday and
A tenth birthday. Excellent food and connections.

With a one-year-old as part of crowd,
Portion of each person’s attention went
To watching her discover.
To hearing her newly formed words,
(Somewhat garbled, always decipherable.)
To noticing her delight in exploration.

I think about what I heard her dad say
(Something like this):

I see her delight in finding some New thing.
She stops her energetic crawling,
Investigates, takes it in, and
Comments with enthusiasm.
I'm finding that I see her discovery
With “New Eyes.”
“New appreciation.”

Wonderful!!

May we all do that—look with new eyes.
Maybe especially at this time of year
When things can get too rushed or too full.
Or the other side—
When things can seem too empty.

This is another place for what I've called
"Beginner eyes.”

May I notice color, shape, light,
With a fresh look at what I have ceased to see.

Wishing you "beginner eyes,”
And an open heart.

Lin

Blowing out 10 birthday candles

She truly has the floor, center stage

From top left, clockwise:
Great-gran and her dad, Same plus great-uncle Scott
GramaLin and her 2 youngest grans

Exciting gift—young uncles and their niece