This is the face of an artist.
Sensitive, sweet and easily broken, he is best handled gently, with kind, soft words and an open heart.
I, this little five-year-old’s mommy, often have a heart that is tight and impatient, closed to his needs until I have already left them unmet far too long.
And when I realize, way too late, I rush to pick up the pieces and hold them tenderly, hoping my Mommy-love can work its magic, even if busyness and distraction have for too long kept it bound.
Too often I don’t notice in time.
I wish I did leisure with him well.
But during our busy days I’m brusque, and all business, and he needs snuggles and smiles and softness. With Elliot, I come face-to-face, daily, with the side of me that is hard and selfish.
While in him, gentleness blooms.
Today we lay in my big bed, a reader in our hands, sounding out words, giggling about the story. And afterward, I soaked up his sweetness, cupping his face (still with cheeks soft, but not for much longer…) and telling him of my heart and how it speaks to his.
Today, I noticed in time.
And I learned from my little artist.
He has so much to teach me. Lord, just let me listen…
