Making the Ordinary Come Alive

Last week with the approach of Rosh Hashanah, I was excited by the idea of a day off. I peppered my kids with questions as we pulled out of the parking lot on Wednesday afternoon. “How ’bout the fair? What about a hike? Is it too early to get our pumpkin?” Even before they said a word, their blank expressions in the rear view mirror gave me my answer.

Mom, we are tired. Let’s do nothing. We just want to hang out at home and just…hang.

We did just that – with the exception of a trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the lessons that I have learned in my time as Interim Preschool Director, I slowed down to enjoy my own children. One (of the many) things that I am re-learning about Preschool age kids is that most do not hurry very well. Whether they are picking out a book, walking to lunch, or getting in or out of the car- they just don’t like to be rushed.

On Wednesday, Mrs. Maclean and I walked a handful of students to the Lower School for their picture re-takes. I normally make the trip between buildings in about four minutes. This journey took a bit longer but it was so much more fun. On the way, we were reminded as to why our young ones aren’t interested in picking up the pace. You see, it is impossible to hurry when you are so busy noticing everything.

Here are just a few of their comments-

“Our shadows were behind us on the way there and our shadows are in front of us on the way back.”
“The ants are eating a dead worm…gross!”
“How many spider webs are in the chain link fence?”
“We can’t see our breath YET but when it gets colder, we can act like dragons.”
“Let’s pretend that there are crocodiles in the pine straw.”

In a world where so many are obsessed with taking selfies, being famous for something, or staring at some sort of screen, children are looking out, up, and around; they are taking in everything around them. I was reminded of these words from William Martin.