Aes & Crumbs

“Let’s go for a walk,” Dada said.

The child, filled with joy, ran to Mama. “Mama, shall I wear this shirt? Should I change my pants?”

Mama’s face brightened too. Though she felt low in energy after a long day, she knew that a short stroll would lift her spirits and recharge her.

It was almost 7 p.m. The day had begun with heavy rain and strong winds, but the evening arrived with warm sunlight, a gentle breeze, and the calm sounds of nature.

Dada said, “I am leaving my phone here.”
Mama also said, “I am leaving mine too.”
No distractions.

The little one was all excited and ready to go, waiting at the door with his bicycle. Mom and Dad were ready too.

Then Dad’s phone rang. It was a work-related message. He almost had to stay back and continue working. But when he looked at the little buddy and Mama, both of whom had such cheerful, eager faces, he changed his mind.

“I need to take my phone,” Dad said.

“Yes, please take it along,” Mama replied.

On the road, the little buddy rode his bicycle while Dada guided him. Mama walked beside them, enjoying the weather, the calm of nature, the sounds of birds, and the beauty of flowers—blooms and buds of so many colors all around.

Mama had developed a growing interest in capturing little moments and beautiful things through her lens—yes, her phone camera lens. She was proud and happy about all the lovely pictures she had already taken.

Dada often warned her, “You always lag behind whenever we go for a walk.” And it was true. She often got lost in capturing astonishing beauties, from tiny details to larger scenes around her. It did not need to be a long journey to a faraway destination. She found joy even in the little things in her immediate surroundings.

Now, she was walking and enjoying beauty through her own God-given lens—her eyes. Watching her little one riding the cycle and her husband walking beside him, guiding the little boy, she felt content and deeply happy.

It was cherry blossom season, the time of spring, when colors return after a long and difficult winter. Everyone seemed as happy as the flowers and birds. Mama felt that joy too.

Along the path stood a mighty tree covered in dark pink-red blossoms, spreading overhead like a grand umbrella. It looked almost unreal. Mama thought, How beautifully God has crafted every detail.

Then a question rose in her mind: How worthy am I? Do I really deserve to be blessed? I have many flaws. Yet how does God love us unconditionally? Humans are not perfect, though God created them so beautifully. But just as spring comes after winter, and beauty rises from hardship, God makes it possible for us to live and thrive.

So many thoughts flashed through her mind.

She paused, took a deep breath, and looked again at the flowers and the sky. Then she felt God whisper to her: I made all this for My children to enjoy. Just as a parent delights in seeing a child enjoy what was created for them, so do I.

She understood then that God’s heart is filled with the same love and joy a parent feels while watching a child enjoy something made especially for them.

A victorious glow appeared on Mama’s face, as though she had discovered something precious.

While all these thoughts were filling her mind, she suddenly noticed that Dad and her son were waiting beneath the tree covered in dark pink blossoms. She understood what that look and gesture meant. “Mama, you’ve drifted off again. We’re waiting.”

To her surprise, her husband said, “Here, take my phone. The flowers look beautiful—go ahead and take pictures.”

Usually, he kept the phone with him because Mama tended to lose herself whenever the family was out together. But this time, he offered it willingly. Her heart leapt with joy, like the little buddy’s. Her inner child had awakened too.

Dad and the child moved ahead while Mama stayed back, happily clicking pictures and soaking in the beauty around her. After about 15 minutes, she realized she could no longer see them ahead. She had drifted off again, yet she kept going.

A few minutes later, the little buddy rode back to fetch his Mama. “Mama, I thought you were lost. We were waiting for you.”

She knew what her husband was thinking. He was probably ready for a serious talk.

And yes, he asked where she had been, with a slightly firm tone. But Mama, though aware that she had spoiled a beautiful family moment, did not want to give in too easily. So she replied, “അച്ഛാ, അല്ലേ എന്നോട് ഫോട്ടോ എടുക്കാൻ പറഞ്ഞത്?”
(“Didn’t you ask me to take photos?”)

Her husband paused, then smiled gently. She could almost hear what he was thinking in Malayalam: “ഇത് എന്റെ ഐഡിയ ആയി പോയി, അതുകൊണ്ട്…”
(“Since it was my idea, then…”) The rest you may fill in. 🙂

Jokes apart, it was a refreshing and strengthening walk. 🙂

The pictures below… See you later. 🙂

MJ.