Landmarks are objects in our environment that stand out or objects that are quickly recognized. They are used as a way to distinguish a location, and help navigate through our cities.
Jam explored the landmarks that are in route to his day care center. 

We started the conversation after we dropped off my youngest son. While driving, I asked Jam how he knew we were driving the right way. He responded by pointing out the cake bakery on the side of the road (it’s so hard to miss). He said we pass it every time. 

As we continued, I asked him what stood out the most. He mentioned the construction site and the horse signs from the race track. I was surprised he saw those signs. 

I asked him to tell me when we should turn and which way to turn. When he told me correctly I asked how he knew that was the right way. He said he knew by the seeing the restaurant sign at the corner.

This continued until we reached his daycare. It was interesting to see what stood out to him in the landscape, what didn’t, and what he could see from his seat. I think this was the most fun he has ever had on a morning commute. It defiantly woke him up.

Jam went fishing at Lake Mackintosh Park in Burlington North Carolina. His intent was to have fun by catching and releasing as many fish as possible. First he needed to get his bait. Luckily he had his dad to help. 

A labyrinth is a path, typically designed in a circular form, which leads to the center of the forms design. Labyrinths are incorporated into a variety of cultures, ideals, and philosophies, and are popular to the secular world for their beautiful patterns. The most common use for a labyrinth is meditation and focus. 

Jam visited a stone labyrinth in Baltimore, MD.

I explained Philippians 4:8 and then asked him what good thing he wanted to meditate on before he started the path. His response: “When I grow up I want to be on a construction site. So I want to think about being a construction worker” (we had just come from a construction site on Morgan State University’s campus).

His journey along the path started as a reflective walk then slowly transitioned into a brisk walk of excitement as his meditation shifted from construction to the fun twists and turns of the path. By the time he reached the end it was clear the path became a game of exploration. I asked him how he felt at the end of the path. He responded, “I’m happy”, taking in deep breaths, dancing as if he completed another journey with Dora the Explorer.