We took the kids bowling recently, when the hurricane brought nothing but rain and cooler temps.
This round, I sat out so the kids could play. I love sitting in the observer seat. I always notice something I would not have if I were playing the game.
This time I noticed how competitive our son is. It’s something I’ve noticed before, but this time I saw more than how badly he likes to win. I saw him get progressively deflated when he thought he might lose.
His attention fixated on the kid who was winning, completely thwarting his ability to focus on the form or skill of his own. I offered a reminder that he should just concentrate on his own bowling….but I’m sure you can guess what a 10-year-old does with advice from his mother….. my words may as well be gutter balls…. agitating and hopefully forgotten.
While it was quickly apparent that our son wasn’t ready to learn this lesson, the principal resonated within me.
Such is a joy of being a parent: sometimes the teachable moments are not only for our children. Sometimes, they’re for the parents, or really, anyone who is willing to notice.
How often do i notice what’s going on for others, instead of staying in my own lane? I look at the lives of others, in wonder and admiration over the accomplishments and excitement happening all around. Being a SAHM, for me, has meant a season of smaller victories and fewer personal accolades. In the meantime, I sit back and admire those who are living larger lives than mine. I can sometimes lose sight of my own story.
Returning to peace is always about turning within. It’s about forgetting the paths of others and remaining on my own.
Meditating on this always returns me to the seat of the soul, where peace resides. My son is slowly learning about competition, winning, and working on his concentration on self. And it looks like I’m right there with him.
What brought you peace this week? Share the peace!
4 the Love of Peace 