Learning from the More Experienced!

Posted by Richard Harris | | Posted On Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10:39 AM


I have been watching my kids play for some 26 years and if the Lord is willing it looks like I will be doing it for some time to come. Lately I have noticed something interesting at these moments.

I play different roles when I watch my children play, let me give you some examples. There are times I am an observer. Over the years I have learned to just keep an eye on them and let them run and romp without any words from me. At these moments I am letting them use their imaginations or find new friends. Dad is not all that needed.

There are other times that I am the referee. These are times that they are playing with siblings. I have to make sure that no one is getting an unfair advantage, especially when an older one seems to be roughing up a younger one. When a dispute arises I have to be mediator; giving out instruction or discipline however the case may warrant.

All of that may be interesting but it is not what I have observed lately, I knew the above point’s years ago. So what you might ask have I noticed, glad you asked.

When the kids go out to play in public and I am fulfilling my role as either observer or referee there is a group that sees things very different from what I do; senior adults.

They love to watch my kids do the most simple of things. When my children run and laugh; they laugh right along with them. Almost always I am sitting and watching making sure everyone goes by the rules or does not get hurt.

When my kid’s wave they are off the charts excited, when hugs are distributed those with more experience than me are first in line. What I see as routine, after all I watch my kids play all the time, they see as exciting, new and fun.

This week I had to say to God, “I get it!” Now I understand why my two younger children scream for joy and demand to get out of the car when we pull up to Papa or Grandma’s house.

It is because those older and wiser know that time is short. That there is no such thing as routine in life; they know that smiling and having a good time are times to be cherished, enjoyed and preserved in our memories.

Lesson learned: Life is short, if you are wishing for the kids to be another age, more independent or if you are just getting through the days. Be careful what you wish for, sooner or later your get it; they will be older, more independent or gone from sight. When you get your wish you may very well regret you did not enjoy life more and smile along at the simple things that bring a child joy.

Most of us are wound too tight, let us learn from the experienced; while watching kids, smile a little and laugh a lot! Children and their smiles are a precious gift from God.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, guide us to relax and enjoy life, to live for the moment that you provide. Never cease to remind us that children are a gift and to treat them as such. You are a good God, great in blessings and we ask these things in the name of Christ, Amen.

Simple/truths 174 written by Richard Harris for more simple/truths go to simple-truths.net. You can now follow me on twitter at RAH_OHHH.


all simple/truths are written by richard harris

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