A co-worker disclosed to me some stresses from his personal life. His daughter who is approaching the age of two has to have surgery on her kidney to improve function. Her second surgery since birth.
Not sure of the stats, but you could probably catch a daily news story about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their heart-warming endeavors for children who face life threatening illnesses.
These perspectives give me a reason not to swear when I step on the Lego bricks in the middle of the hallway. Or resist the urge to scream and swear when the kitchen is packed with two kids and their toys.
Recently, signs of spring are actually arriving in Minnesota, and I came home to find my almost six-year-old son’s design:
There’s a few ways I could have looked at this:
- Great. He’s taking the landscaping rocks, and I’m going to have to be the one to pick them up.
- Cool. How creative! He appreciates geology and the intricacies of each rock, as he points out some of his favorites.
Taking the perspective of not having enough time or money, I’d probably select the first response. Taking the perspective that my kids are healthy and my problems pale in comparison to a major health issue, I’d probably select the second option.
Carpe Diem. Seize the day. One day at a time. All we have is 24 hours. You’ve heard these before. Easy in concept, but not always easy to execute.
A verse from the bible that popped up in front of me the other day:
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (New International Version, James 4:13-15)
And a quote from the Buddha:
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” ~ Buddha.
What what will you look at your kids’ behavior today?
Father Through Me 