Is There a Hidden Ripple Right in Front of You?
“All that you touch
You Change.
All that you Change
Changes you.”
– Octavia Butler
SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN THE BIG RED CHAIR
We snuggle into the big red chair, my three-year-old grandson and I, settling into the quiet joy of a lazy Sunday with nothing on my to-do list. His little arms rest beside mine as we munch on our afternoon snacks—veggie straws for him, animal crackers for me—while his current favorite show, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, plays on the TV.
In this episode, Daniel is anxious about starting a new school. Through the screen, Daniel asks a question: “Do you go to school?”
My grandson nods, completely at ease. Yes, he does.
In the next scene Daniel plays with blocks and other toys in his new classroom until it’s time to clean up.
Daniel then asks another question: “Will you help me put the toys away?”
And without hesitation, my grandson gives an answer I won’t soon forget.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Lately, I’ve been tracing ripples—my One Word for the year—both those that led to me and those I hope to send forward.
As I look backward, I find ripples from my ancestors to me. I sift through old photos from my childhood, piecing together stories of the past. I turn the pages of my mother’s handwritten journal, hearing her voice in words she left behind. We clear out my late uncle’s house, discovering bits of his young adulthood we never knew.
And I look forward to ripples I want to create in my life to positively affect others. I’m working on my end-of-life plans to make things easier for my children when I die. I’ve been writing down my stories for a Storyworth book to leave for future generations. I’ve been organizing keepsakes for my Grand Box, tucking away treasures I want my grandkids to have in the future.
But has there also been a ripple unfolding right in front of me that I haven’t recognized as such? One that my grandson and Daniel Tiger are showing me?
THE RIPPLE OF NOW
It’s this moment.
Yes, it is good that I’m looking to past ripples and preparing future ripples, but a living ripple is here now. Just as my daughter and I used to watch Mr. Rogers together years ago as mother and daughter, so her child and I are now watching Daniel Tiger today as Granna and grandson.
After Daniel Tiger asks his TV audience for help, my grandson gives a quick, clear answer that I need to hear: “I’m at Granna’s house.”
(Duh, Daniel Tiger.)
That’s it. No excuses. Simple and to the point.
He can’t help there because he is here.
And here is where I am, too.
I recognize I won’t be here forever. Life continues to swirl around me and change every day, for each of us. No two hours are exactly alike.
But this day, this moment, is where the most important ripple is. And it is exactly where I want to be.
Do you need the reminder, too, of the saying, “Be where your feet are“? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Lovely post, Lisa. Living the ripples of now, or being in the moment, is powerful and has far-reaching effects. Thanks for sharing.
What an endearing story and lesson, Lisa! Yes, let’s be mindful of the ripples in the here and now, and measure the effects on our hearts. I hope to gather up info to record for my own grandchildren over this next year, God willing, so even when I’m gone, they’ll know more about who their Gammie was. Blessings and keep watching for ripples!
Love this, Lisa! ???? Such a precious memory and lesson. Love and blessings of love-filled ripples!
Oops! I forgot that an emoji changes into question marks here.
Aw, this is such a sweet image you’re sharing and such an important message too.
This is so beautiful, Lisa. I, too, appreciate finding and recording the ripples that connect me to my ancestors. It’s part of why I love the work I do as a memory-keeping guide. It matters, and you’re right–the ripples are right in front of us, too. Thanks for sharing this sweet experience with us. Visiting from the Crazy Little Lovebirds linkup.
Cute story, Lisa.
Lovely post Lisa. Being in the moment is so important.
Blessings, Jennifer
Enjoy the present and time with your grandson, Lisa. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
Oh these are the days, Lisa. And I know you are cherishing these moments with your sweet grandboy. Here’s to more snuggle time, good DVDs, and animal crackers. Love it. Love you.
A lazy afternoon with nothing to do but snuggle with a grandchild. Life definitely does not get better than that! <3
Such a lovely post Lisa and a great reminder for us to be here, in the moment. Thanks for your thoughtful ripples.
Debbie from debs-world.com
#weekendcoffeeshare
Perfect reminder. Thank you so much.
What great thoughts. I love this…our grandkids can give us some great perspectives can’t they?
Lovely post, Lisa. I’m so glad that you are able to watch Daniel the Tiger with your grandson. What precious memories the Lord is enabling for both of you to enjoy.
Love it, Lisa!
I really like the part where you say “…I look forward to ripples I want to create in my life to positively affect others.” I often think about doing things because I want to make the world a better place. Nowadays I feel like I have fight really hard. What is sad is that around me, there are some people who just don’t seem to care.
What fun you have been having with your word this year. How exciting!!
I’m constantly amazed at. the lessons we learn from children. Your grandson reminds me to be fully present when I am with people I love or strangers that God has place in my path.
What a beautiful reminder that the most powerful ripples often happen in the quiet “now”. Your story with your grandson touched me deeply—it made me pause and breathe.
Thank you for sharing this gentle moment.