For Josiah, A Prayer for Savoring

Today is my son Josiah’s first full day of college. This book reminds me of him. I hurried along, tugging on his little arm too often. I wish I had let him show me more of God’s joys along our routes. Today my prayer for Josiah is that he savors his precious college experiences. My prayer for you is for less rushing and more savoring of the goodness the Lord gives us everyday. 

Picture Book: Wait

Author & Illustrator:  Antoinette Portis

Summary: Throughout these pages, a young son and his mother hurry through a cityscape. 

He is dragged along by a mama intent on going somewhere. Now and then she pauses for him to fully experience what he sees. 

But then she hurries him along.

He is friendly with fascinating strangers

and lends a hand to feed birds as his mom rushes farther. 

He longs for something sweet, 

but alas, his mom pulls him along. 

He manages to stop at a pet store window, delighted by God's creatures, but he is allowed only a moment. 

He cleverly notices possibilities few would see, 

savoring with touch and amazement. 

Rain comes, but he doesn't mind, more to feel and taste! 

The hurrying continues, and now mom must contend with umbrellas and slippery steps. 

Eventually, they near their destination, a bus for the next leg of their journey.  

But this time, the boy is determined his mom won't miss the best gift of the morning.

And again, she listens to his pleas to savor, 

and is glad she did.

Hanna’s Comments: Have you noticed the number of books for children and adults on mindfulness? This is partially due to the health benefits of slowing down and savoring with practices like mindfulness. Science also shows that we harm our bodies and mental health when we don't take the time to savor and truly experience each day. With three simple words, this illustrator offers a lesson in savoring the day, mindfulness in motion. People of faith can take a deeper step by offering prayers of gratitude for simple joys along the way. Let this picture book begin a conversation with children or adults about all the daily evidence of the Lord's goodness and how contemplation of those joys makes for a better day by grounding us in God's gifts. My next PBT post will be a similar book by Portis entitled Now where I'll explore more about the practice of mindfulness.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2017

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8a); Delight yourself in the Lord... (Psalm 37:4); They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31); Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2); Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); be patient in your waiting (James 5:7-10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to small group of adults and explore how to increase mindfulness and gratitude for better health, more meaning, and gratitude to God.