Kids, Can't Live Without Them

We can learn so much from kids about living life the way we were meant to live. One of the boys I nanny told me today that he had an extra pillow and blankets that he wasn't using and wanted me to have them to give to the guys in my house to use...(pending parental approval of course). I told him how thoughtful that was and that I'm proud of how he was being so giving. I then asked him why he wanted to do that? He said, "I just want them to get better." My heart melted at this 10 year old's huge heart for strangers he has never met nor was prompted to give to. 

This little exchange made me realize 2 things: 

First, if he can contribute, than we adults shouldn't have a reason not to. How many times do we make up excuses for our reasons not to give? This boy didn't have any questions whether the items would be used properly or where the organization was headed, or even discredit what his small gift could do. He just knew he wanted to help, and he did by simply releasing what was already in his hands.  Pure. Unaltered. Simple. It's not our job to dictate what is done with a gift after it's out of our hands. Our job is to give it, and it's up to them and God to use it wisely. 

Second, it reminds me that every little thing we do, be it word or deed, matters. I have discussed a bit about my sober house and what I'm doing with the boys I nanny, but really that's about all the exposure they have had. Yet, just the mere discussion of it stuck so deeply in that boy's heart that weeks later it was still on his mind and compelled him enough to want to do something about it. The point of this is we have the potential to light a fire or stomp it out simply by how we live day to day. What we love causes a chain reaction in others to love. Contrarily what we hate, causes a chain reaction in others to hate. Every day we affect our families, friends, and community, old and young. Maybe by just keeping that in the forefront of our minds we might think twice before we speak and act. We change our world whether we mean to or not. If only we could all love everyone (and that means every human being) with arms wide open like children. Again this child had no questions about age, race, their background, how many times they messed up, if they have a job, etc. He just wanted them to "be better". And shouldn't that be our goal with people? All we really just need to do is love them because that's what they need especially when they are at their weakest, lowest moments. In fact, in simplicity, isn't that what we all really seek? Be the change you want to see in the world. It starts with you. 

I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas...unlike the ones I always know...

This one goes out to all the people that have braved the cold at my house with me for the past 10 years. To all the ones who know to bring a winter jacket to wear inside my house to watch the game, or a movie. To anyone that dared to brave a sleepover knowing full well that to stay alive you would need to sleep in full garb. This goes out to you!

You know it's getting cold when I start giving myself pep talks. Pep talks to get out of bed. "It won't be THAT cold getting out from underneath these blankets!" Pep talks before I get dressed. "Time to set another world record! Just set your clothes out and change as fast as humanly possible." Pep talks to get out of the shower. "Let's be honest. No one wants to get out of a warm shower no matter how cold it is! So just run to the hair dryer and turn it on and immediately  point at your body for warmth." Pep talks to walk to my car. "Haul ass girl! The heated seats feel nice once they kick in, right? That is, if you make it there before you freeze to death! Muah ah ah!" Maybe this will help you understand my struggle a little better. My bathroom and bedroom don't get heat!  These two rooms are the only ones in my house where I, a happy summer baby who's allergic to the cold, get to spend my winters. Oh there's a perfect little vent in my bedroom which SHOULD disperse heat, but that thing is a fraud I tell you! I figure whoever prior owned my home realized my bedroom was forever doomed an icy dungeon, and I guess when they decided to add on a bathroom, they didn't even bother to put in a vent for show there. So while most people are telling themselves to think happy thoughts, I'm telling myself to think warm thoughts cuz you can't think ANY thoughts if you die of frostbite! To put it lightly, I hate being cold. 

The worst part of this whole weather changeover is that though my body gets the memo immediately, it usually takes my stubborn brain to give up and fully accept that the summer is no longer coming back, about mid way through the winter season. At the first sign of 60 degrees my body immediately reacts like I'm going into anaphylactic shock and goes into shutdown mode, while my brain convinces me that it's just a cold front and there's still time to get in a beach day and that flip flops and shorts would be a good choice! Usually around December my brain loses the battle and I start remembering how to dress properly for the cold and every year it's like a new discovery of the same thing. "Oh! So wearing gloves and boots really does make a difference! Layers for warmth! Who knew!?! Hoodies aren't proper winter attire by themselves, but they make these bulky things called winter coats you can wear on top of them to stay warm! What a concept!" Now if only I could get my brain and feelings on the same page before this winter season officially hits...but isn't that always the problem?  The battle between feelings and thoughts. I'll save that discussion for another post though. 

So here's to the winter, and all that it brings, snuggles and snowmen and no leaves on the trees. 

To the thought of summer, I bid you adieu. Though it might seem dark now, there's still promise of new. 

So hold tight to your jackets and though you dread every step, as sure as the sun, this season will set.  

And before you know it, the time will soon come, where the light again outweighs the darkness, and the battle is won!