Valentine's Day and the Balloon

In our house Valentine's Day began last night. S came home from work with flowers for me and a big red balloon for T. He shrieked with joy when he saw it. Wouldn't play with anything else the rest of the evening. At bedtime it had to be fastened in sight of his bed. Today it has followed him around, room to room, all day long. He couldn't nap without it nearby.

How is it that something as simple as a balloon fills children with such delight? Its appeal is undeniable.  The hours of play following made the gift far more valuable than we paid. I love the pure, simple delight of a small child.  O that we adults could recapture their sweet satisfaction in the simple things of life.

Tis the gift to be simple
Tis the gift to be free
Tis the gift to find out
Where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves
in the place just right
Twill be in the valley
Of love and delight.