Simplicity

As we were driving home this evening, my children were in the backseat- Ellie wanted to play "house" with her baby doll and (God bless him) Ethan was indulging her.  To hear them exchange banter back and forth of what "mom" says and "dad" says, I couldn't help but notice how simple and straightforward they were in their roles. 

Later, when we had all eaten dinner, Ella asked me to color with her at the table.  As I sat there agonizing over which shade of blue to pick for the princess's castle, it occured to me: she (Ellie) was perfectly content.  The most important decision she had in mind was what color to make the bows on the princess's dress.  She didn't worry over coloring within the lines, or making things match... she was creating, and was happy in the moment.

Ethan asked me after they'd bathed to come check out the website he was currently enthralled in- it gave you a fantasy warrior name, and was the single coolest thing on the planet at the time.   Both of my children were enveloped in simple pleasures, and had no thoughts of the coming day or the demands it would surely bring with it.  And for a moment I paused, thankful that they were able to be kids.

On my way today to do the endless tasks that accompany every evening, I was talking with a friend of mine and she said, "you know, worry isn't going to solve anything".  I nodded and smiled in agreement, but until I saw my children enjoying the moment it didn't really dawn on me- that this is the moment we're given.  Admittedly, I am the woman who lies sleepless some nights (most, really) going over the details, the possibilities, and the risks.  But when Ellie asked me tonight, "Mommy, I've been wishing and praying and nothing happens... Why?"  it occured to me.  Even as I was saying the words, I knew (yes, I need the lightbulb moment) that I needed to hear the answer, too: "Honey, God always answers prayers- sometimes it's yes, and sometimes it's no." 

If you are like me, you sometimes envy your children's simple, achingly beautiful view of the world.  The answer, for me at least, is in the little things- that you're given this moment- you're exactly where you're supposed to be, and that these small blessings that make you happy RIGHT NOW are what you're given.  So whether it's coloring or picking out your warrior name, or just looking up at the stars on a quiet evening, be present and thankful in the moment.