Sometimes as adults, we really complicate things.  We learn fears, we even fear our own fears, we judge, we can’t accept the beauty of simplicity and often complicate circumstances far beyond what they are in reality, in our minds.

Children are amazing.  They have an uncanny ability, probably because they haven’t been taught fear, haven’t been taught to be suspicious, and haven’t been taught or have yet learned negativity.  They know what they like, and are quite willing to express it without worrying about what others think.  And often, in such innocent and total uninhibitedness, they can teach adults about enjoying life and what really is important.


Tonight was my son’s first ‘Beaver” meeting this year.  It will be his second year in Beavers; in another couple of years he will be in Cubs, and perhaps after that, Scouts.  At the meeting, there were some still there from last year, some had moved on, and some that were brand new.  The Leader asked everyone to introduce themselves by name, and then pick the first letter of their name and state something they liked that also began with that letter.

Now, to say that I’ve never disappointed my son would be a lie.  I have.  There have been times when I’ve not thought it possible to be able to come through with activities I have told him I would do with him - although I do love him dearly   and I think he is the best six year old in the whole wide world.

I did not attend his first Beaver meeting of 2008/09.  But I’m told that when all the Beavers were asked to state their name and then state something they liked that began with the first letter of their name, without any thought or hesitation, my son said,

“My name is David.  I like my Dad.”

How much do you think that has motivated and influenced me in regard to how I choose to spend my time and attention as far as my “wee man” is concerned?

I know myself in the past few weeks, I have allowed some of my own “complicated” issues and fears to intrude upon my relationships.  I likely could have had far less grief by taking the simple uncomplicated example of a child.. and just gave “props” - just focusing on the positive, appreciating it, and being thankful, than the response I did show.

Thank you David! Even though at times I know I’ve let you down, you still like your dad! You taught me a valuable lesson and hopefully some others as well in the example of pure simplicity that you provided - and had no fear of saying exactly what you “liked” regardless of who was listening.

If you can motivate and influence your “auld man”  without even knowing how you did it, or even purposefully trying  to do it, you’re going to go so far in your life!

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