Today, I’m giving thanks for innocence. There exists a sweet innocence among children, in particular. Oftentimes, their actions are performed without regard for how they may be viewed. They simply do what they feel to be right at the time.
Sometimes adults lose sight of how precious that can be. We fuss when those songs in their heads come pouring out of their mouths at incredible volume as soon as the rest of the room has gone quiet. We blush when they repeat gossip that was not meant to be heard by a third party. We cringe in embarrassment when they ask, out loud, questions that are better answered in the privacy of our homes. As parents, we might be mortified and try to find a way to “correct” the action. As onlookers, we can only hope that we can hold in the laughter so as not to further embarrass the parents.
Sometimes, though, those moments of innocence are so pure that your best action is simply to stop and admire. Admire the simplicity of a moment. Admire the parent who has done such an excellent job raising that child. Perhaps you’ll even hear yourself utter, “Aw, how sweet.”
Part of my journey as a photographer is to capture that innocence in still form. I shot the photo below on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA. To watch the child try to hand money to the violinist as he pointed insistently to his case with his foot was something that you just had to stop and watch.
Have you had moments that have you giving thanks for innocence? I would love to hear from you. Make sure you follow along and see what else I’m giving thanks for.
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