Cameron Brown: Wonder Done Right

Cameron Brown, right, spending time with a friend.

Only one child got it completely right.

Creation play features costumed kiddos

Oh, all the children knew their parts; the creation play was lovely. The flowers, colorful and bright, stood tall, blooming and blushing. The birds flapped their wings. The fish swooshed; the mice crawled; the frogs hopped. The apple tree, its branches menacing, taunted. The one who played Adam delivered his lines masterfully, having us laughing at all the right times. Eve entered the garden, singing with a voice that sounded as if it had indeed been created by God for this moment in time.

But only one child—only one—truly captured the wonder of it all.

A celebration of creation

Our church had been celebrating creation—art, the written word, music, drama. During this time, sermons, anthems, and special events had focused on the beauty of creation; and, more specifically on the wonder of the Creator. The point had been to bring our minds and hearts, to a state of amazement.

The work of a local artist hung in the atrium: wall sized paintings depicting the explosive dynamics of creation. Dancers—yes dancers in a Baptist sanctuary—offered their gifts in worship. We even had kites one Sunday; they called them liturgical kites to make them sound more churchy, but they were kites all the same. The orchestras played, handbell choir rang, and authors read from their books. It was a time to delight; a time of awe.

Cameron Brown: exceptionally gifted

And that morning, Cameron Brown, full of wonder, delighted in the awe of it all.

Of course, Cameron is exceptional, gifted really and it is not fair to compare others to him. Unfortunately, the opposite is far more common: he’s compared to others in a most unfair way. (Some people are such slow learners.)

When Cameron walked down the aisle wearing a bright red shirt, carrying a gigantic rose-red flower, his eyes sparkled. When his little brother followed, dressed like a mouse, Cameron giggled a little, watching his favorite person mount the stairs then crouch like a critter. He looked around at all his friends standing there with him, his smile growing, his eyes dancing. When the audience laughed, Cameron laughed too. When Eve sang, Cameron watched her every move.

Pausing to absorb the wonder

And when it was over, all too soon, Cameron stayed in place. He looked around that great big sanctuary, appearing every bit the picture of pure, innocent wonder. The director came to him, he took her hand, and flashed her his full-face grin. And as they slowly made their way back down the aisle, Cameron continued looking over his shoulder. It was as if he didn’t want it to be over, not yet. It was too wonderful, too delightful.

Anyone could tell by the look on his face: Cameron got it. And once again I thought, I want to be more like Cameron. I want to see the world like he does. I want to see God like he does.

By Aileen MItchell Lawrimore

Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore is a mother x 3, wife x 35 (years not men), minister, speaker, writer, retreat leader, and lover of beagles and books. She has a lot to say.