Summer Heats Up

Water splashing never felt so good

Simple Joy

On a hot and humid day, we headed out to Balboa Park to visit Rockford’s favorite museums and we ended up spending most of our time outside playing in the water. What joy and delight this simple and pure activity brought to my boys. I watched in delight, once again reminded of life’s simple pleasures.

Summer really did heat up today and especially in East San Diego, where we reside. I thought it would be a good idea to take my boys to the museums since it is Free Tuesday at our city’s center of museums, Balboa Park. Here the kids could run around in air-conditioned rooms filled with endless discoveries and activities.

We did end up visiting the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Rockford’s favorite, and the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center. In between the two visits, we took our regular break to have a little picnic on the grass area and enjoy the street musicians, the dogs being walked by their owners and of course, the yummy snacks that Mommy packed for lunch. We fed a pigeon while we ate and both Rocco and Rockford took turns throwing pieces of bread to it. It was quite sweet to witness this. What a great time to share with my boys, “See how God takes care of even the birds? We are feeding it and it didn’t have to do anything but stop by us.”  Rockford understood what I was talking about because he learned and sings around the house Matthew 6:25-26, a verse in the Bible that talks about this.

After lunch, we headed to the famous water fountain that calls out to every kid, and the inner kids in adults, to come and play in it. Such was the case for Rockford who wanted to get close to it. Both Rocco and Rockford were a little hesitant of going inside the fountain. Other kids and teenagers danced and splashed in the water covered from head to toe, but my boys just enjoyed watching them.

Soon thereafter, Rockford took off chasing the birds, as he usually does, and came across this area of water that only came to his ankles.  As soon as I saw him interested in it I grabbed Rocco, took off his shoes and put him in the water. Rocco loves the water and is usually fearless when it come to attempting new things, Rockford…not so much.  Rockford was curious of the water but refused to take off his shoes and socks. Being that it was a super hot day and the fact that I am just not that mom that cares too much about the kids clothes or shoes getting dirty or wet I thought, what the heck, go in the water like that. So Rockford, with shoes and all, started splashing around alongside little brother Rocco. It really did bring joy to my heart to see my children’s delight in each other and enjoyment of this simple pleasure.

There he goes

 

Rockford’s shorts were so soaked he had to hold on to them when he ran or have them fall down. This was pretty funny to watch to. What better way to spend a hot and humid afternoon.

 

Here he comes

 

I guess to the average mom, to see her son splashing in the water is no big deal, but when your son has been nicknamed “Benjamin Button“, you can’t help but take joy in this activity. It probably was as much fun for me to watch this as it was for Rockford to experience it. He will usually sit out and sweat it out fully dressed while everyone else enjoys the pool, water fountain or beach. Maybe the heat really got to him.

 

My boys

I love it how on an ordinary day, my kids can remind me through their actions how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Whether it is feeding the birds bread, chasing the birds around a park or simply splashing water around, they find delight in God’s creation and remind me to slow down and smell the roses. Thank you Lord for using my children to teach me, grant me wisdom and to show me your love.

 

 

“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  ~Philippians 4:11-13

 

May you all find joy and delight in life’s simple pleasures today.

Blessings!

 

 

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