He is always watching over us

“You don’t really understand human nature unless you know why a child

on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around -- and

why his parents will always wave back.”

-- WILLIAM D. TAMMEUS

Last week was filled with fun times with children or watching

them, some that I knew and some that I didn’t.

On an early morning walk, I passed two young families as they

played at a nearby park. A cute little boy and girl giggled as they

played on the swings while their father watched and pushed a stroller

with a sleeping baby inside.

“You have a pretty cute crew there,” I said to the happy, but

tired-looking father.

“Thanks. They keep us very busy, and very tired, too. But we are

very blessed,” he answered. “I’m giving Mommy a little break.”

“You’re a smart man,” I said as I continued on.

I rounded the corner, crossed a dirt path and watched several

little rabbits hop about. Some let me get quite close before hopping

away.

“It’s OK. I won’t hurt you,” I said, but they didn’t seem to

understand. As I headed down another path, I watched two boys riding

bikes. They were on a dirt path beneath eucalyptus and pine trees,

surrounded by lavender and other plants. They rode on dirt mounds and

off wooden jumps.

One of them said, “Hey, we’ve got to figure out how to stop

crashing into these trees.”

The other laughed and said, “No kidding, man. I’m tired of

falling.”

Less than two seconds later, I heard a thump. I checked to see

that they were all right. The one who fell popped up quickly, dusted

himself off and said, “I guess my dad was right about these helmets

helping our heads, but don’t tell my mom about this, OK?”

Over the weekend, I went to Fashion Island with our daughters. It

was great to be with them and we walked past the new carousel.

Children rode up and down and around, smiling and waving at their

parents, who in turn waved back at them.

On Saturday afternoon, our extended family played at the beach,

and the little ones swam or romped in the water, always ready with

smiles, giggles and waves.

On Sunday, we enjoyed children singing from the front of church.

Some had the words and hand motions figured out. Others were more

interested in waving to their parents, who waved back.

One of the speakers said, “We can follow God, whether we’re in

school or in the pool.”

Before I finished writing this, I returned to the busy carousel.

One mom waved at her son and said to her friend, “He’s got the smile

and wave thing down. I thank God and pray for him everyday.”

Several adorable little girls with pink bows in their hair rode on

the various colorful animals. Many cute little boys enjoyed their

rides, too. One squealed with glee and waved to his father, who

pushed a stroller around in time with the carousel. I heard giggles

and saw kicking feet from the stroller.

We don’t all ride on carousels, but whatever our age, we can smile

and wave in our hearts to God. Then we can watch and see how our

heavenly father smiles and waves back at us.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

No. 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.