When a Tree Falls

Today S10 was completing a project that he started several days ago.  He was given the responsibility of cutting down a tree.  The trunk of the tree was about four inches in diameter.  The sawing time seemed endless to him.  In truth, he spent about an hour in real effort. 

As he neared the end of the cutting time, he became convinced that he'd never finish.  His technique wasn't efficient and he was spending a lot of effort on limited results.  Sooner or later, regardless of technique, the tree was going to come down.  I knew that when the tree came down, his sense of accomplishment and victory would sky rocket.  The trick was to teach him how to saw more effectively without making him feel discouraged.  I wanted him to remember the sawing with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.  I wanted the entire experience to be one that built him up.

As a parent, it's difficult to balance the need to teach with the desire to encourage.  I never want my children heavy with the weight of instruction and correction.  I want to foster in them a sense of accomplishment and purpose while I teach new skills.  Sometimes, I think I am successful at my effort and sometimes I am thankful that when the tree falls my children know victory no matter how I've taught them how to saw.

Odd Jobs

It was an odd request.  "I need to stop by and take a picture of your bathroom.  Would 4:30pm be a good time for you?"  Of course it was.  What would you really say to someone that needed to take a picture of your bathroom?  That kind of need is difficult to understand or deny.

And so, at 4:30pm I shook hands with a stranger.   I smiled, introduced myself and followed him to his bathroom.  Two pictures taken.  Pleasantries exchanged.  Goodbyes said.  We'll probably never see each other again but I'll always have those bathroom pictures.