| Photo courtesy of Google Images |
Sound familiar? I'd like to think that it's because I'm some sort of great leader, or something even more profound; they are following in my footsteps. Ego boost OVER, it's neither! My kids always lag behind because they are, quite simply, in no hurry to get to where they're going.
When they were little, (because ages 8 & 10 are all grown up dontcha know) I taught them to line up behind me like ducklings. I did this for safety reasons. I know, I know...you'd think that I had 6 kids to keep safe. Before I went all slacker mom on 'em I used to be overprotective mom (slacker mom cape is way cooler). They'd line up behind me like ducklings so no one got hit by a car while I was pushing an overfilled shopping cart, carrying a case of diapers, or texting while walking through the parking lot. :-)
So, as I was about to give them the usual "c'mon let's go" spiel I just slowed down and observed. Like I said, I realized they were in no hurry to get to where they were going. They were chatting about their day, about where we were headed, cracking jokes, and picking on each other. They didn't care what was waiting up ahead, they were in the moment. They quite literally stopped to smell the flowers. They had no agenda other than to just be. I have always relished in just being; when I have the time that is.
My little ducklings are growing up (way too fast). They are going to learn the hard way that in this crazy, chaotic world they need to hurry up and wait. They are no longer going to learn that from me. I vow to get them out of the house and to their destination on time, (other people's time is a valuable lesson too) but I will give us enough of my time to get there at their pace. I'll let them be great leaders. I'll follow in their footsteps as they have a lot to teach me about this journey we're on. After all, getting there is half the fun! Now, C'mon let's go already as there is so much to see before we get there!!
