The house is quiet and the dogs are perplexed. Where did all the energy and activity go? Last week five of our sixteen grandchildren spent the week with us. We picked them up in Lafayette, Indiana on June 11 and returned them on June 19.
Several things were clear to me as we returned to Woodstock, with the car empty and silent and no more “are we there yet?” Throughout the week there was little time for thinking and even littler time for chatting with friends.
The chaos and tragedy of the outside world completely flew over me due to the pressing demands of five children ages three to ten and the myriad tasks everyday activities of life. Children place you squarely in the present. Demanding in a different way, the presence of a three year old runner and the incessant questions move your view to the now. This moment and only this moment matters. A successful trip to the “Froggy Potter” is met with loud and raucous cheers from everyone and the joy and delight on the little face is reward enough, at least in that moment.
I know and value planning. I see the next five months as critical and challenging. I am aware that we are living on the edge of transformation and we could go either way. Yet the gift of doing a simple thing (the potty) was so jubilant and wonderful for a brief moment I thought to myself: Yes, this is the real life changing-work in the world. My grandchildren have taught me how to celebrate and embrace this present moment. Thank you kids for giving me this gift – teaching me new ways of seeing and feeling the essence of life, it does not get any better.