STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN

Those big, beautiful brown eyes – focused intently on me. I will not forget Elliott, an inquisitive five-year-old with an insatiable appetite for learning about the world around him. Elliott entered my life when I was teaching. We met in the children’s engineering lab, and I immediately recognized Elliott’s passion for science. I suppose that’s why the two of us bonded so well.

Throughout that year, this young child moved closer and closer to my heart. He stopped in to see me every morning, often bearing small treasures he had discovered the day before – shiny rocks, soft feathers, tiny seeds, bumpy twigs, and other unique finds. Like most children, Elliott was intrigued by God’s creations, captured by the simple beauty of a smooth green leaf or the mystery of a bird’s delicate song. He was eager to share this wonderment, and I was the fortunate recipient.

I cherished Elliott’s daily visits and began to realize that God had purposefully sent him to me. That year was overwhelming as I managed a full teaching load, prepared demonstration lessons, trained local educators, forged ahead with my dissertation research, remained active in church, juggled household responsibilities, and did my best to take care of my family.

Elliott brought me a sense of peace amidst the incessant turmoil. For a few minutes each day, I paused to reflect on the blessings of this child who found such joy in nature’s simplest gifts. Without fail, Elliott brightened every single day with a dazzling smile that lifted my spirits. That gesture touched my soul and reminded me that the Lord is always my shepherd, even when I feel lost in the wilderness.

As you enter this holy season of Lent, I pray that you will be deeply and fully aware. Find something that captures your attention – something that inspires you to Stop, Look and Listen. I pray that you will notice the children in your life. They are precious beyond measure – each one a special miracle; each one a messenger from God to help you find your way through the darkness; each one yearning to share their enthusiasm for life; each one filled with awe and wonder; each one ready to fill your heart with love.

Thank you, Elliott, for the lessons you taught.

— Melissa King

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist