One can learn a lot from a child

‘I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station

through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

-- George Washington Carver

I learn a lot from children. I learn a lot from nature. I learn a

lot from throwing rocks into the sea. When I am able to combine the

above three things, I learn a great deal about life, about God and

about myself.

Summer seemed to start slowly, sputtered awhile and ended with a

scorching sizzle before ceasing. Many have waved good-bye to the

theoretically lazy days of summer and are busily filling backpacks

and meeting new teachers and friends. Hopefully your summer ended

well and you’re ready to move into a new routine. My summer ended

wonderfully and I am indeed thankful.

I had the fortune of going to Catalina Island with my extended

family over Labor Day weekend. We experienced a full range of weather

from cold and gray to blazing hot. The wind ranged from being

peacefully calm to whipping wildly with such force that several boats

dragged their anchors and unfortunately some actually bumped into

each other.

The water was wonderfully warm, however, and we spent as much time

in it as possible. I also threw little stones with my niece and

nephew. There is something very relaxing and renewing about throwing

rocks into the water with little people. I like slowing down,

listening to their thoughts and trying to see life from their young

eyes. While tossing rounded pebbles, we talked about anything and

everything they wanted to, from God and seashells to ants and koala

bears. My 5-year-old nephew Max liked watching the splash from the

stones.

“I’m sure glad that God made the water,” I said to Max.

Max’s eyes lit up, and he happily said, “I’m glad too, Aunt

Cindy.”

“But I’m even happier that God made you.”

Max smiled, thanked me, held up his hands and exclaimed, “I’m glad

that God made everything. Except I don’t like seaweed. Look out Aunt

Cindy, seaweed attack coming.”

We talked a bit about why God made seaweed and he seemed to feel

better. His mother and I explained that God made everything for a

reason, even though we may not always understand it.

Francesca, my 7-year old niece, liked tossing rocks and searching

for seashells. We talked about school, church and friends. I said I’d

pray for her school year and she thanked me sweetly. We watched the

water lap the shore and our feet, and then went for a swim together.

On the way home, I asked Max why he thought God made rocks. He

thought and answered, “Rocks are good for islands and for the sea and

lots of things.”

He looked back at Catalina and said, “Rocks are good for throwing,

too, Aunt Cindy.”

I learn so much when I spend time with children. They remind me

what really matters. Children are happy to be alive, to learn about

life and God and to spend time with family and friends.

Summer may be officially over, but there will always be children

to spend time with, and plenty of rocks to throw.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.