Lessons from an almost four year old.

Tre finished his second session of swim lessons yesterday. He had an amazing teacher, Ms. Lauren. On the last day they get to go down the slide, he was so excited because he always says he wants to go down the slide, but he is not allowed because kids have to pass a swim test before being allowed. All the kids lined up.

When it was his turn he ran up the steps, when he got there he walked around a little, then he sat on the edge of the slide for about two minutes.

(Can you see him thinking, imagine what his thoughts were.)

Then he moved into the water,

Then he stood up and grabbed the bar, After about five minutes of this (with twelve little bodies shivering down below waiting for their turn.) His teacher called up to him, "Tre are you coming?"

"Not until I'm five!" (That's in approximately 367 days.)

She tried to talk him into it at this point. Until finally she said,

"Okay! So she ran up the slide, and came down with him!"

He loved it! And then proceeded, on his own, several times. It was probably one of the highlights of his summer.

Afterward he came up to me and said, "Mema, did you see me?"

Which I was standing right there giving him fives, clapping, and screaming each time. Maybe the excitement and adrenaline made him forget all about that!?!

I said, "Yes Tre I saw you. I am so proud of you."

And then in a stage whisper he said, "I was a little scared, but I did it anyway!"

And I said, "That's what counts buddy!"

Imagine Tre's excitement and fear before going up the stairs. What in life have you looked forward to or anticipated, then you finally got to the top, the dream job, your interview, the relationship, the success? Only to fear what the actual ride might in-tale.

I think in my life there are many times I have called over the railing to God and said, "Not until..."

Not until you show me I can trust you, Not until we have the money, not until everyone approves, not until...

Who are your Ms. Lauren's?

Who will climb up and escort you down the first time? Who will encourage you to try again, who will force you into enjoying your ride, until you can do it on your own?

What are you doing right now in life that is a little scary, that forces you to trust others, trust God, or trust in yourself? Doing things scared is part of growth. If you always do what you know is safe, you won't stretch or grow. If you don't do things scared, you might never get to enjoy the ride.

(Pictures of Tre's room are coming, there are just some finishing touches that need to be made. Mostly ones that I need help from my handsome and buff husband to complete. But he's been really busy, including leaving for a flight this morning at 2 am to get a little girl with Leukemia and bring her here for her treatment. So hopefully by tomorrow I can reveal his fun new bedroom! )