Sea creatures in the sky

Just had to capture this little moment...


As I was driving in the van with the kids to pick up Isabel from a school (a forty-five minute commute one-way driven TWICE daily... sigh), Anika exclaimed "MOMMY!  I see a DOLPHIN!"


Naturally, I could not imagine where on earth in the long stretch of highway with nothing but fields on either side she could possibly spot a dolphin.  I glanced up in the rear view mirror to see her looking up at the sky.


The sky was perfectly blue and the sun was shining bright.  A much welcomed warmth after the gloomy days of rain and snow we've had this week.  Sure enough, in the sky were puffy white clouds.  I suppose one looked just like a whale.  (Anika seems to truly have an affinity to sea creatures... whereas they are my phobia... most intriguing!).


Before I could comment, she exclaimed with disappointment:


"Never mind, Mom.  It's just a sword fish."


Ah... the joys of being witness to a child's mind's process.  No wonder Jesus said that the kingdom belongs to those with the heart of a child.  Here are a few more precious biblical verses that speak of our world's precious children (English Standard Version).


Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)


“‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”
(Matthew 21:15-16 ESV)


“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
(Matthew 18:10 ESV)


And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
(Matthew 18:2-6 ESV)


And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
(Mark 10:13-16 ESV)


Enjoy in this day and in knowing that our world is filled with such beautiful children and the multitude of wise words, silly words and joyous laughter.  (Please note that I have left out whining, complaining, and crying... just trying to savour the moment... savouring it... ah yes.)