I just finished mowing my backyard, or more appropriately my back jungle. I even pulled out the weed-eater and edged it all. The entire project took me nearly three hours. Not surprisingly, my patience and positivity wore thin as time wore on.

Sammy had been attentively watching me the whole time from his perch inside at the kitchen window. When I finally finished, I debated on whether I should let him come out and play for a bit or if I should just go in and crash. I decided on the former, and it made all the difference.

Sammy came bounding out with the fresh curiosity and energy of being in a new space. He climbed the tree, ran with impressive speed from there to the patio, and stealthily edged the fence sniffing and observing every detail. He meowed to his heart’s desire and turned and cocked his head in every possible way taking it all in.

I was able, for that brief time, to see the yard through Sammy’s cat eyes as he pranced through the space and explored his newfound domain. I soon found myself lost in his wonder. The rest of the world and all my worries slipped away and all I could see was him and the beauty of the outdoors through his eyes.

Oh the wonder and innocence of pets and children who can see the beauty through the weeds and beyond the trials that often blind our older selves to the glory that exists there!