It's the Simple Things

It has been well over a year since I last created a new blog post, but today I had a revelation. The revelation occurred as I sat on a slab of concrete next to a small lake near our house and watched 3 of my 4 children catch tadpoles with their hands. Catching tadpoles was not on my "list" of what we were going to do this afternoon. In fact, it was with reluctance that I even agreed to take them on a bike ride because that was also not on my to do list.

My plan for this bike ride was to get to the park, get a little exercise, and get back home. Basically, just do it so that the kids would finally stop asking to go on a bike ride. But, that's not exactly how it took place.

First of all, my 6 yr old fell off his bike halfway to the playground. He tried very hard to be tough and not cry at first. But, when the blood started flowing so did the tears. I stood there, helpless, not sure what I should do. We were half a mile from the house with nothing to ease the pain or stop the blood. As I contemplated my options I looked up to see a man walking out of his house with peroxide, paper towels, and bandaids. Such an amazingly simple act of kindness. But, one that changed the course of our whole afternoon. As I began doctoring my son the man said "you are one tough little guy, you got quite a scrape there". Simple words, but my son's posture and demeanor immediately went from that of defeat to confidence. He suddenly became confident that he could deal with the pain and climb back on the bike. After profusely thanking this good samaritan we all climbed back on our bikes and continued on toward the playground. I'm quite certain that anonymous man will forever be a part of my children's memories. I know I will never pass by that house again without remembering how such a simple act of kindness changed my entire day.

We continue on to the playground where I had a mini-revelation. My kids are growing up quickly....too quickly!! Just last summer I was lamenting that I couldn't be one of those parents that just sat on a bench watching their children play. AJ was only 3 and I still needed to be right there following him and watching him to redirect or help him as needed. Today I sat on a park bench playing on my phone, facebooking.....dare I say I felt BORED?? Yes, I was bored. That is NOT how I pictured this moment. I was obviously bored enough to suggest to the kids that we get on our bikes and take a ride around the lake.

Fortunately they were all for that idea. And because of my mini-revelation I wasn't the least bit reluctant when they asked if we could stop to catch minnows. I was no longer in a hurry to get back to my to-do list. Of course, with my practical adult mind, I did ask how they were going to catch minnows without a net. My 8 yr old daughter quickly responded by saying "with our hands!!" Who am I to argue with that logic?!

I instinctively took my seat on a slab of concrete and it was at that moment that I had my biggest revelation of the day. I found a comfortable place to sit because I knew that my kids would be here a while. How did I know that? Because first of all, there were no minnows, there were only tadpoles. When you slow down enough to see life through a child's eyes you realize that there are no challenges, no obstacles....no lists and no preconceived notions; there are only new discoveries to be made. Instead of feeling disappointed that they didn't find the minnows they were looking for, my kids were excited to just catch tadpoles.

I am so grateful to my children!! They force me to slow down enough to see the world in all its simplicity. And it's only through that simplicity that I realize what happiness is all about. My guess is that if a child could put "happiness" into words they would tell you that it's all about appreciating the here and now....and forgetting about what you HOPE or EXPECT to happen and just enjoy what is actually happening.