488. Happy is he who still loves something he loved in the nursery: He has not been broken in two by time; he is not two men, but one, and he has saved not only his soul but his life. ~G. K. Chesterton

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Feel the wild imprint of surprise.
Free the joy inside the self.
Awaken to the wonder of life.
~Edited excerpts from John O’Donohue blessings

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When children first feel “the wild imprint of surprise,” they easily let go the joy inside themselves, but by the time they enter adolescence most become guarded about their feelings and their expressions of joyfulness. Then as playgrounds and backyard recreations are left far behind when they enter young adulthood, they are, like I was, less and less exposed to the wonders of Creation. However, I discovered when I first retired “that like a forgotten fire, childhood can flare up again.” The flames were sparked when I could at last spend greater amounts of time in my garden and with my creative outlets that I found my inner child was still alive and well.

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Sadly, the middle years of my life took me far from the things I loved in my childhood as well as through some deep valleys of brokenness. Now painful health issues rob me many nights of restful sleep, but I’ve yet to be “broken in two by time.” Though past and present circumstances have and continue trying to steal my “joie de vivre,” the Lord has not left me stranded on detours away from the His plan for my life nor stuck at dead ends. Instead the Shepherd keeps leading His lamb back into His keeping, and that as well as the freeing of my inner child helps to restore my joy. When one of my grandson’s was younger he told me once that he loved the way I often got down on the floor and played right alongside him and his brother. The question is: Was I doing it for them or for myself?

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. ~Isaiah 55:12 ✝

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22 thoughts on “488. Happy is he who still loves something he loved in the nursery: He has not been broken in two by time; he is not two men, but one, and he has saved not only his soul but his life. ~G. K. Chesterton”

  1. Here is to a never broken joie de vivre!! Life is indeed a perplexing conundrum—as we weave in and out of the places we truly wish we could be and actually stay—yet the Great Creator takes His dearly created and weaves them for His Glory—-oh my glorious Natalie. . .
    xoxoxo–Julie

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  4. You are a very strong woman, delightfully so – admirably so … and also quite talented. I am honored to have crossed your path. I look up to and aspire to do the same as you have “not be broken in two by time.” How inspiring a story. ❤ Kimberly

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    • Wow, this brought tears to my eyes. What a lovely compliment! It is I who am honored to have found you, missy! The last few days have tried their best to “break me in two” so your words were a blessing that lifted a very weary soul. Thank you so much for your kindness because even strong women are brought down to their knees at times. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs, Natalie ❤ ❤ ❤

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      • Oh darlin’ – I’ve been saying that myself lately “even the might shall fall.” I do understand, believe me I do. Weary is a word I’ve been wearing myself lately – but it isn’t a blessing to be able to write, share, express and connect with those who have hearts that understand and care? Life, at all ages, is filled with challenges – at times small, at times huge, at times one at a time, at other times too many at a time. You are not alone in this. But believe, no matter how weary you are feeling, and I don’t disbelieve that you are, you are quite a strong being and for that be very proud of yourself. On the flip-side, never be too proud to cry and let it out – it’s a release and a gift just as much as strength is. Blessings to you Natalie – and whatever it is that has you feeling weary, please know that I you have touched the heart of another spirit in this realm we call Earth. Sweet Dreams sweetheart. ((((((hugs)))))). ❤ ❤ ❤

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      • Oh trust me crying and letting it out has been and was the order of the day yesterday. Thank you, sweet Kimberly for you concern and caring words. They made a world of difference. Today has been a better day! I pray your day has gone well. I know that none of us is exempt for trials and days of grief and so yes it is wonderful having a community of hearts around us who care! Blessings and lots of hugs, N ❤ ❤ ❤

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      • I’m so sorry to hear that Natalie, it saddens me to know that you had that type of day, though I know them well, and they do tend to release what so very much needs to released – tears are healing, which I expect is why you had a better day today (((((hugs)))) – and I’m happy to hear that. ❤ My day was kind of "eh" – so many changes, emotions and situations happening simultaneously. Not all bad, not all wonderful – but I have been lost in thought and reflection. Many blessings and big huge hugs to you. ❤ ❤ ❤

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      • Here I’ve been going on and on about my day with out even thinking about how yours was going. I’m so sorry! I do so hope things have been more wonderful than bad today, Kim. Lots and lots of hugs and blessings to you too! N 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤

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      • Oh my goodness Natalie, you owe me no apology sweetheart. You’re living your life honey – and when online, it’s your blog, life and/or your thoughts and feelings you share, as well you should be. ❤ You're a lovely soul xoxox, but don't you apologize, you've done NOTHING to apologize for. ❤ There won't be a great deal of wonderful for quite a few months (though you never know what the Universe has i mind – so "Nunca Digas Nunca") <— never say never. On the flip side of that, there wasn't any bad (well nothing worse hehe), and for that I'm hugely gratefu. Big hugs and kisses to you, you very sweet and wonderful soul. ❤ ❤ ❤

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  5. As Julie said: glorious Natalie… joyful Natalie! “I found my inner child was still alive and well.” It is joy! Psalms are such a Spring of beauty and wisdom! A Spring of Joy!

    La plus grande des joies
    C’est de croire en Toi
    Et de se réfugier en Toi
    Père des Mondes,
    Et de l’Enfant en moi.

    For Natalie, wit love :-)♥

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  6. Here I am again dear Natalie,I usually visit your space to drink fresh water from your inspirational springs and to smell the fragrances of your beautiful flowers.Today though,I gained strength through your strenght and more faith from your faith ! I can visualise you sitting with your grandsons down on the floor and playing with them then,but you still do the same right now that you are writing your powerful posts for us.You take pleasure and joy by giving them away generously.That’s what you did then and still do it in a different fashion ..
    Stay well my dear friend Natalie, love and hugs as always , Doda 🙂 xxx

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