The Art of Intentional Change

Level 5: Master Player

He is ever so tiny.  9 months old. Sitting on the floor there.

And he did the cutest thing.

He was picking up, holding, and looking at a piece of Celery.

With great reverence.

Then he saw me.

His eyes went a little wider.

He said 'OOHHH'

And he held out the celery in monumental triumph.

Grand trumpets played, the chorus of angels sang upon high and this tiny little boy held up his first celery in glorious wonder unto the earth!

A huge grin dawned upon his face and he absolutely SCREAMED in delight.

THE CELERY!

I write this as my son is turning 1 year old.

The last year has brought many new experiences and changes.

From a brand new tiny guy to a little walking (and running, and climbing) boy who sometimes manages to look like a tiny old man in his overly large pants pulled up to his chest and knitted sweater.

In many ways he still is absolutely delighted to "show me the celery" whenever he finds a thing or has a new idea. Just this morning he went shopping in our food pantry and brought me the box of pancake mix as I was eating breakfast.

Priceless.

It's a beautiful experience.

I love and appreciate every moment of it.

And I also know, and accept, that it is fleeting.

I know that this will never happen again ... not like it did the first time.  

At some point he won't be overjoyed to show me the celery.

And that's ok. 

In fact.  

I think that's a great important wonderful beautiful part of life.

I'm far too young to feel like an old man with what I'm about to write (I'm only 40). And without question I know there are many far more experienced who have deeper insight and understanding.

I can say with confidence that in 10 years I'll look back on this and have some new insight and understanding as well.

But I also have understanding and perspective that is far older than I am.

FAR older.

What I have to say, I believe is valuable.  

It may appear to center around being a parent, but the core message applies to all of us, in every aspect of life.

How do we live our fullest and best life if we are stuck in what once was (or what might be)?