A Day with Hunter

 

My family and I spent a wonderful day with my nephew, Hunter, and his parents.  He is two and one-half.  He is very busy.  We gifted him with a couple of very educational toys that were sure to please….him, not his parents.  The gifts?  Band in a Box, and tools with a battery operated (and noisy) screwdriver.  I am certain we are his new best friends and my sister-in-law’s worst nightmare.  Hee hee!

We shared meals together, relaxed until Hunter took a nap to recharge, hiked through the woods, and enjoyed the day.  It was a simple day of just being together.  As I spent time with this little guy, I was reminded of the days long gone of looking after my boys.  Yes, Hunter is a busy kid, but it was refreshing for me to spend some time experiencing his simple joy.  He loves to be with his parents and learn more stuff.  He has great manners and is warm and loving to others.  He starts each day fresh and is not hung up on the past.  Perhaps he is a great example to all of us as we approach a new year. 

Of course, it makes sense to think about the past year and look at those things that we could improve upon.  It makes even more sense to then let those things go by forgiving ourselves and moving on.  Life is about progression, not perfection.  If we look at the growth we experience year to year, hopefully we will see changes in a positive direction.  Whether it is physically, spiritually, in our relationships, or any aspect of life, it is about getting better at finding the balance, the harmony. 

So, at the end of the day and the year, I am grateful for my blessed life and my family.  I am grateful for lessons that find me each day.  I am grateful for another opportunity to try to figure out this journey of life.

“To understand is to forgive, even oneself.”  Alexander Chase