A Different View

All three of my children have A LOT of energy. I know this because I tend to compare my children to other children, especially at parks and church. I also am told that my kids are energetic (or...annoying as they are playing tag in the aisles or touching everyone and everything as they walk by) by other mothers and people at the store. They also wear me out by the end of the day, everyday.

There are many times that I wonder why they are different. But yesterday I felt my heart swell with pride 3 times over (do I sound like the grinch?) when I witnessed the most simple thing.

Maya attempting to ride her bike without training wheels.

She had been begging Eric to let her ride her bike without training wheels for weeks. He finally gave in because...well, who can say no to her? Her blonde pig tails were poking out of her Dora the Explorer helmet, her grin went from ear to ear and her blue eyes sparkled. She kept telling Eric to let go of the bike and that she could do it herself, which is so Maya. She wasn't looking at the road. She was looking at me. With her "see mom, I told you I could do it" look. She probably only peddled 3 times before each fall, but her smile never left and she never got discouraged and this is what I thought:

"This moment defines how she will live her life."

And I've never felt more inspired, overwhelmed with emotion and love, and gratitude than I did in that moment. Who knows why I was given these children that have a lot of energy and teach me patience every day. I certainly don't think I am anything like Maya, but I want to be. She takes things head on and with confidence. And that energy that is hard for me to deal with sometimes--I envy it. Everything in life is exciting to her and requires her full attention and efforts. Who wouldn't want that quality as an adult?

My attitude was changed yesterday as I saw in my mind's eye, my little girl grown and successful. With children and a husband and energy and joy bursting from the walls of her home. This energy is something she had when she was born. It is as much a part of who she is as her blue eyes. This isn't something that I change, and now it's not something I want to change. It's something I admire and can't wait to see bloom and blossom when she can harness that energy into the talents that she has. It will be beautiful to witness, I am sure.

Little Maya didn't learn to ride her bike without training wheels yesterday, but if I know my Maya...it won't take long.