birthday wishing on his 10th birthday
They call from the backseat now and then:
"How long until we stop?"
"There's a rest area right there!"
"Mommy, he's touching me!"
Ah, yes. Vacations (and their corresponding drives there and back) aren't what they used to be.
But it's okay. We love them where they are.
One leaps over (& under) rough waves--comes up laughing.
One with boogie board cruising, always asking me or Steve to come along.
One sticks close to shore.
We love them where they are.
One child can't get enough of writing. Stays up late putting words on the page.
One started learning to read music this week.
One is still learning to read, period.
My job? To love them right where they are.
One struggles with bossiness.
One struggles with respect.
One struggles with temper.
And the mama struggles with keeping her patience.
Loving us all where we are.
We often think of our kids as on a journey to adulthood, with that being the ultimate goal. But doing so makes null and void the 18 plus years they spend to get there, and makes them feel like "less than" along the way.
Since children are not adults--and will not be, no matter our best strivings and efforts--why not appreciate who they already are? Instead of seeing problems, why not envision possibilities?
Including the idea that they are where they are meant to be--progressing exactly as they should. And let's believe the same about ourselves while we're at it.
It's a paradox--we're imperfect, and yet whole--at the same time. This moment, with its beauties and failures--as it's meant to be.
None of this will last forever. So why not love it right where you are?
"Never discourage anyone who makes continual progress,
no matter how slow."
~ Plato
