If we could only persevere like my 17 month old son! Over the last year and seven months, I have become very observant. I've watched this little boy go from the process of not being able to move from one place to his current activity of running through the house.
For several weeks, Nelson (our son) has been attempting to climb the giant leather ottoman in our family room. I've quietly watched him circle the piece of furniture, get a running start and try to somehow force his way on top. I've seen him try to pull himself up, straining with every ounce of strength until the little veins in his head looked like they were going to pop out, only to topple down to the floor. At first, my wife and I were telling him "no" and trying to pursued him into a different activity. (That was a losing battle).
Last week, I saw him hiking one leg up in the air and using the sofa as leverage to climb on top. He fell between the ottoman and the sofa. Needless to say, he was not happy. I was thinking to myself, "That ottoman is to tall for him. He'll eventually make it, but not anytime soon."
Yesterday, I was looking after Nelson in the family room (Kat was out with her mother and sister... leaving us boys at home). He was leaning on the ottoman watching Finding Nemo. I left the room for a moment. When I came back, I saw an amazing event.
I watched and listened as my son grunted and battled his way on to the top of the ottoman. It took him several moments of extreme effort. I quietly sat down on the couch behind him and watched him battle. He reached the summit. He gathered his composure, still huffing and puffing. He steadied himself then turned around, stood up and smiled at me. Mission accomplished!
So often, I find myself wondering about teachable moments for my children. I think to myself that I need to say or do this or that. To my surprise, my toddler provided me with a teachable moment.
If we put in the focus and effort that Nelson used to conquer that ottoman, how would our lives be different?
Imagine your life if doubt did not exist?
There was no doubt in that little boy's mind that he would make it to the top of the ottoman yesterday. He was committed.
He persevered, won and I consider it a lesson.
Thanks Son!
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