Two days ago I experienced Thanksgiving that I thought would be reminiscent of my childhood. For the first time in many years I would be with my dad, sister, grandparents, and great-aunt. It isn't everybody that would've been at a family holiday growing up, but it was the closest thing in years...but it wasn't quite as I remember it in childhood.
What I found is that things have changed...not because of anyone in particular...but because life itself has changed. I now have 3 kids which don't allow for hours and hours of card playing and competition (we were a bunch of card gaming junkies!). Much of the time was spent in some conversation, but mostly interacting with my kids.
The next day was spent at my mom's. After having 'Thanksgiving breakfast' (and it was good) we spent most of the rest of the day...playing with the kids. What made my memories growing up so special was that the older adults spent time with me. It seems weird to me now that we don't spend as much time (as adults) just playing games with each other...but I realized how much fun it was...for everyone...to just hang out with the little ones.
With the stages of life changing my expectations must adjust as well. It just seems strange that my grandfather (now 86) can't shoot baskets anymore like when I was a kid (and he was in his 60's). Childhood does something mysterious in all of us. For those who have grown past it childhood points to a time gone past. For those experiencing it they are pushed by culture to move by it. I believe it is a high calling to help our kids enjoy being kids. It reminds us of how simple life CAN be...and perhaps should be. Far too often we make it complex, and let's face it, we know how to sap the fun out of everything by taking it too serious. But not kids. They remind us of the innocense of life.
The next time you're with your kids...or someone else's...don't get frustrated for how un-adult they are. Rejoice in how un-adult they make you feel. Children breed hope for the future and rekindle the simple joy of life.
