Tyler loves books!
Even in the middle of the best, most benevolent and productive activities, it is wise to keep our eyes open for another kind of opportunity, a moment born within the one we are engaged in. Â A moment we dare not miss.
Our original plan isn’t always the best plan and what seems like an interruption may actually be an invitation to a witness a tiny miracle.
This is the story behind the painting that inspired my post “King of The Forest” and the lesson I learned from a little boy wearing a crown of leaves. One day I found a treasured storybook entitled “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. This amazing children’s story is about the relationship between a boy and a tree. It is a beautifully crafted lesson about giving and taking and relationship that even every adult could benefit from reading. I sat Tyler on my lap and began to read the story.Â
At one point in the book the tree gives the little boy leaves from which he makes a crown and plays king of the forest. For some reason that page with its simple drawing caught Tyler’s attention. Several times, he insisted that we stop and go back to the page where the little boy was wearing the crown of leaves. He would stare at the picture and run his chubby little hand over the page.
Of course my intent was to finish the story and get to the brilliant lesson to be learned at the end of the book. But after about the fourth time Tyler turned the pages back to the page with the crown of leaves, I suddenly realized this was a moment I had to capture. This moment offered and opportunity more important than getting to the end of the story.
I closed the book,grabbed a roll of scotch tape and we went outside where thousands of leaves lay on our deck. Tyler choose the best leaves he could find, and then we sat in the midst of all the lesser leaves and made a crown. On the back deck of my home, scepter made from the handle of a rake, I pronounced Tyler “King of The Forest.”
I doesn’t get any better than this!  Click the picture to see the painting!
This is the picture from which the painting “King of The Forest was made. One look at Tyler’s face is evidence that he IS king of the forest.
After ruling over his kingdom for several minutes the King made a proclamation! “Let’s go in and read the rest of the book.” And we did. And the King was happy.
While you are working, or playing, or studying today. Watch for the moment within a moment. A great treasure may lay there.
Have you read “The Giving Tree?”Â
What moment within a moment have you experienced?
Comments
Love it! Those are memories that will give endless blessing of smiles and joy.
The moments within moments are so easily missed while focused on the end goals. We should all be more like a child and treasure the “NOW” moments.
Be blessed.
Thank you for your comment Jason.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!! The lesson you share within it is LIFE-CHANGING.
“…what seems like an interruption may actually be an invitation to a witness a tiny miracle.” Truer words were never spoken. And … that boy! No more precious boy was born. … except my own grandsons, of course!
Thank you SO much! And thank God for Brian’s and Traci’s love which made Tyler possible in the first place.
Thank you.
Thank YOU Gail for the inspiration and encouragement to do the painting and do the post.
Lovely Ken. Do you mind if I put a link to this on my next blog? I’m doing something on nurturing a child’s imagination.
Lovely Ken. Do you mind if I put a link to this on my next blog? I’m doing something on nurturing a child’s imagination.
Not at all Dee, You are always welcome to link what you find here. Have a great day.
I love this sweet post, Ken. The Giving Tree is on my list of favorites, too. I’ll enjoy the page with the leaves all the more next time. 🙂
Do you know The Monster At The End Of This Book? Here’s a short post I wrote about it. I think it will resonate with you as well. 🙂
https://www.chancescoggins.com/the-unwritten-page
Chance, I will read your post. Let me know if you want to get together sometime. Enjoyed doing the show with Robert. k
Wow – sincerely, I would truly love that. I’ll email you and we’ll get something scheduled. I’m really looking forward to it.
btw, I’m reading Fully Alive as we speak!
We just bought The Monster at the End of This Book. 🙂
Hey, Michele – awesome! 🙂 Such a fun book to read to kids. I still love it, too.
Recently saw that you’re teaching here in Nashville soon. That’s great! 🙂
Yes. Always love my visits to Nashville. Will you be there?
I’d love to be. I can tell it’s going to be an amazing conference and I’d benefit greatly. Unfortunately, money is really tight for us right now. I can’t swing it this time…You’ll be at the conference most of your trip, but I’ll look for you at Merridee’s and the streets of Franklin. 🙂
Seems wrong to be in Franklin without a stop at Merridee’s. 🙂 As for the conference, I completely understand. If you have a free moment, stop by for a quick hi.
I have not read that book but love the memories it helped you create and share. Thanks for reminding me to take time to enjoy the journey and to not be so caught up in finishing.
Thanks Joe, I will never forget that day or the look on his face.
Great post, Ken. Thanks for helping us to see the sweetness in ordinary moments. BTW, the Cushatt Family loves The Giving Tree. 🙂
Thanks Michele, The Davis family loves the Cushatt Family!
Right back at ya.
I can’t wait to show my grandchildren how to become King of the Forest and make a crown of leaves – thank you for the inspiration!
They will love it. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I can’t wait to show my grandchildren how to become King of the Forest and make a crown of leaves – thank you for the inspiration!
I LOVE this. The moment within the moment. Lately the Lord has been teaching me and reminding me to look for the blessings and opportunities in the midst of inconveniences and interruptions. This fits so well. Thanks.
Eilene,
kThere is a marvelous book out there entitled “A thousand gifts.” It is written by a friend of mine. Considering your journey, I think you might enjoy it. Thank you for commenting.
Love your willingness to be present in the moment. Thank you for this lesson.
Thanks Ken! I am a truck driver and have lots of opportunities for momemet in moments…I just need to take the time for them. Oh and I like the “The Giving tree” also. It was my daughter and I favorite when she wa little. She is 19 and on her own now but we have at least one DDDO (Daddy Daughter Day Out) a month…I may have to bring “The Giving Tree” and read it to her next time, I bet she would love it as its been a few years! Thanks Ken! Do you remember Bob Tanner? We are good friends, him and his wife Judy live about 5 minutes from us. Thanks for all you do Ken and I am stiill attempting to live Fully Alive! Marty from MinneSNOWta!