When was the last time you rolled down a hill?
Wait. Maybe I should ask a different question first.
Have you ever rolled down a hill?
This week I watched my thirteen year old son help a five year old in his first attempts at rolling down a hill. Now, this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill backyard hill, mind you. Oh, no. This was a massive hill. Huge. Towering. One that leaves you out of breath as you try to climb the entire thing while still standing vertically.
Then you get to the top and look down.
Imagine the fear in the five year old who has never done this before. Imagine the confidence of the thirteen year old who only remembers the exhilaration of the ride. How can the two bridge this gap?
Sometimes as adults we have to get out of the way and let the learning happen. It might not be perfect, it might not be the way we would have done it, but it’s learning just the same.
It counts.
It matters.
It’s important.
I loved watching my child coach my friend’s son. He explained what would happen. He emphasized the positive. He guided him in the process. He watched on the side as the younger boy tried his own technique. He celebrated with him when he was done.
Both boys ended up at the bottom of the hill; both were smiling, happy, and proud.
And I was a proud Momma, too.
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| My son, Daniel, and I leaving Maymont Park. |
