“Look! The Owl Turned His Head”
There’s nothing like a little child to remind one to pay attention, to live in the moment, to stay awake to life. On a recent visit with my granddaughter and her young son––my great grandchild Massey who will be three soon––I was reminded of this in the simplest of ways.
The three of us went for a walk around the small community where I live. We paused at a house on the corner because Massey spotted the statue of an owl in the side yard and wanted to look at it for a moment or two.
“The owl turned his head!” he suddenly exclaimed.
Sure enough, the owl had turned its head, directed by the small solar panel on the top of its head. In a few seconds the head turned again and all we could see was its back. Then it turned again, enough for us to notice one eye, and then finally full face forward with both eyes alert to viewers.
Massey was fascinated, mesmerized, glued to the sight. He didn’t want to leave. He moved closer to touch the owl. He enjoyed putting his little hand on the face and then he jumped back in delight. “It’s turning its head again,” he squealed.
I have lived in this neighborhood for eleven years and I have never even noticed the owl before, much less that its head turns. When I’m out for my daily walk, I’m making tracks. I’m movin’. I’m on the go, so I get my four to six rounds completed for the day.
Oh my! I wondered what else I’d missed right here in my own community!
That experience took me back to 2006 when my husband and I moved into our home. My grandson Miles was three at the time and he and I took numerous walks around the block and we stopped here and there to look at whatever caught his attention—flowers, bugs, property markers. They were all new and exciting to him and so they became new and exciting to me.
But Miles will be fifteen this year. It’s been a long time since he and I roamed the streets, talked about what we saw and shared the simple delights that captured our interest. We played shadow tag, took color walks, and chased each other from one corner to the other. But all that is behind us now. These days I am a spectator in his life–especially at basketball games.
I’m thinking about all this today and enjoying the reminder to stop, look, and listen and to remember the saying on a plaque I have in my yard: “Speak to the earth and it shall teach thee.” I believe this could apply to children, as well. Speak to your little ones and they shall teach thee.
Jesus reminded us of this as well, when he gathered the children around him and picked up some to sit on his lap.
It seems to us that they grow up too soon, but imagine what the world would be like if everyone stayed the age they are today.
Now there’s a sci-fi plot idea! 😉
Thanks, Janet. I always appreciate your comments.
Yes, a wonderful reminder to live in the moment like a child! Thank you!
Thank you , Melody. I appreciate your comment. It is so true.
What a precious experience with your little great grandson. I love the wonder these little ones bring.
Thanks, Pam. I know you understand the ‘wonder’ of these little ones.
“And a little child shall lead them”!! How cute is this!!! I just love it. thanks so much for sharing such a beautiful experience!
When Tanya was really little-just talking real well, she loved her “big brother” who was five years older. She was telling him something and all at once she reached up and turned his head toward her and said ” pay ‘tention’, Kenny Boy!” I just smiled to myself!
Good reminder that we need to pay attention to the things around us and to ‘listen’!
Thanks again, for sharing this! I wil read it again and again!
Love Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. What a cute comment from Tanya when she was little. Even at an early age children are paying close attention to everyone and everything.
Thanks for the reminder to notice the little things too. I like that.
I appreciate your comment, Barb.
Oh! Karen, This is so special ……and so is having your great grand child!! I am so looking forward to those days! I love to play with all children as you well know! So enjoy it all my dear Great Grandma Friend. What precious memories to keep you going.
I love you, Kathleen XO❤️❤️
Thank you, Kathleen. Your turn will come and it will be special indeed. How fortunate your future great-grands will be to have you in their lives. ❤️
Beautiful, Karen. I can picture you, both with Massey and Miles at 3, enjoying what they saw at their level, along with them. You’re a wonderful grandmother to interact with them, talk (and listen), and enjoy seeing the world through their eyes. Precious reminder that a adults we often get too busy to stop and see the owl turn its head! I chuckled when I read your comment that you’ve lived there 11 years and never even saw the owl. Thank you!
Thanks, Carol. What a sweet comment.
Hi Karen,
Like Art Linkletter, we could all probably write a book on the kids and the darndest things they say. One time I caught my oldest daughter (at a young age), rooting through the back of her mothers hair. I watched for a second or two and just had to ask her, “What are you doing honey>” She replied, “I’m looking for the eyes in the back of mommy’s head.” You just want to pick them up and hug them. GBY Karen.
Jim
What an adorable story about your little girl. I laughed out loud at the delight of it.