Lessons From A Kindergartner

One of the joys of my job is that every other week, I get to be in charge of yard duty in the morning on the kindergarten playground. I think it's hilarious and enlightening to see life through the eyes of 5-year-olds.

This morning, I gained another pearl of wisdom. Two little guys came up to me, obviously frustrated. They both started talking at once, so I asked them to each talk one at a time. The first one indignantly points to the other and says, "He won't stop following me, and it's really bothering me!"

I looked at the other little guy, and with his arms spread wide, he appealed, "I just wanted to ask him if he wanted to play with me!"

I was expecting to have to do some mediating here, but once the first fellow heard his explanation, he said, "Oh, okay." And they walked off together with their arms around each other toward the monkey bars.

How much easier and less frustrating could our lives be if we just stop being bothered, and hear each other out?

Missing the cello

There have been complaints about my absence. I feel badly, but I am just one me, and I guess I'm learning that I can only really focus on one thing at a time. I've been trying to get myself more organized and working on some healthier habits. More on that later. I promise.

In the meantime, I have something to admit. Every now and again, I get in a funk. Not a bad funk, but always a funk in which I wish I had more time in life. More time, especially, to devote to music like I used to. I really miss it.

I've really been missing the cello lately (probably thanks to that lovely Christmas Cello CD by Steven Sharp Nelson that I received for Christmas - thanks Mom and Dad!). I miss spending that much time developing those talents and that other voice. I miss the chance to really connect with something more spiritual and create something beautiful. And I miss the fun that comes with those connections - be it with an instrumental group, or even an audience.

So, in light of that, I thought I'd share a little slice of joy (and longing) with you. I hope you enjoy!





And another:



And for fun: