My mother in-law believes we are at our wisest as infants. Intelligence is an altogether different beast, and is something we pick up along the way to adulthood. The square root of ? is 1.7725. The first law of thermodynamics states that neither matter nor energy can be created or destroyed. When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking and says his own name.
Our ability to catalog facts and figures, names and dates, often comes at the expense of our wisdom. Slowly, bit by bit, we lose sight of the big picture and life becomes hard. We can factor binomials better than we can relate to our own selves.
Yesterday, Nicholas asked if we could go on a picnic. I didn’t want to go on a picnic. For one, I am tired. I’m also busy with things I need to do in and out of the house. Those are both good reasons to skip a picnic, but the biggest reason had me fiddling with the heat and looking at an overcast sky.
“I don’t want to, Nicholas. I’m cold. It’s cold outside.” Case closed.
“Then how come you can’t put on a sweatshirt, Mama?” Case brought up on appeal.
Therein lies the proof. Intelligence usurps the wisdom of our youth. For a three year old, it’s simple. If you are tired, sleep more, go to bed early. If you are busy, do less. If you are hungry, eat more. If you are sad, cry. If you want something, get it and then leave it alone when it no longer holds your interest. If it’s cold, put on a sweatshirt.
So I put on a sweatshirt and we had a picnic in the front yard under our very big tree. While we ate, I watched dozens of people go in and out of our neighbor’s home. The husband is dying, his short and furious battle with a fatal disease almost over and with it, his opportunity for picnics on Wednesdays. I pushed up the sleeves of my sweatshirt and rubbed my suddenly flushed skin. Nicholas leaned over for an Eskimo kiss, his favorite.
I would like to say that tomorrow or next week or next month I won’t be cold or tired or busy for a picnic on Wednesday, but I am almost 38 and far, far away from 3. Sometimes I will be fortunate to find a reminder of the wisdom I once held, and other times I won’t. The grace comes in acceptance. Besides, not all knowledge is pointless. For example, today I learned that the best thing about having a picnic on your front lawn is that you can carry out a week’s worth of leftovers and call it a spread. Roasted Brussel sprouts with caramelized onions and toasted almonds, cold bean salad with spinach, oven fries and dip, olives, cashews, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cookies all washed down with cold water…for Nicholas. I had my favorite chemical-laden Crystal Light Peach Mango Green Tea because even a 37 year old like me is wise enough to know that perfect is for Jesus.
Oh wow Jules, this post has given me goosebumps!
AMAZING!
What a wonderful, wonderful post. I love the list of kid-wisdoms.
Amazing post, and the last photo warms my heart.
Can I just say I love you, Jules? This is just what I needed to read today.
Great story. There’s nothing like the end of someone’s life to give a little perspective. I love the part about looking at things like a 3 year old.
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/giveaway/
That last photo is precious. As was the story that came with it. Wonderful post.
Beautiful post, Jules. It’s amazing how a little guy’s request for something as simple as a picnic can put you in tune with what is really important. :-)
Best thing I’ve read all week. :) And the photos are lovely, too! (I covet all your wooden bowls.)
I’m obsessed with wooden tableware. I have a hard time leaving it behind at the store, and if it’s on sale? Forget about it.
love, love, love this post. i am printing it out and putting it in a safe place so i can look at it to remind me to keep it simple when i get all wrapped up in the crap that doesn’t really matter. thank, jules.
Lovely.
P.S. Quite a chatterer I am, I usually cannot comment with just one word, this one however seems amply to fit!
Hah! But you have more than one word with the post script! I’m not being snarky–I’m the same way. :)
I am all teary eyed, this is so true and such a wonderful post. Go Nicolas!
You made me smile and cry all at the same time!! Great post!!
I’m going to do something like this asap, but indoors because it is snowing. This is what they will remember.
(I hope. I hope they don’t remember me on the computer and yelling at them while I’m on the phone and trying to write a check and blog all at the same time.)
Very well written, my friend.
xo-z
We have indoor picnics all the time! The boys think it’s great, and I love not having to make a real dinner. ;)
Beautifully pictured and said, Jules. Kids have a real way to show us what really counts.
beautiful, my friend.
What a gift. Thank you so much for writing and sharing this!
“For a three year old, it�s simple. If you are tired, sleep more, go to bed early. If you are busy, do less. If you are hungry, eat more. If you are sad, cry. If you want something, get it and then leave it alone when it no longer holds your interest. If it�s cold, put on a sweatshirt.”
Can I be three again?
This post is brilliant, Jules. Love it and saving it for future inspiration.
Jules-beautiful. I’m so jealous of the one-on-one time with Nico. But, maybe I need to take some of the 3 year old wisdom and if it interests me take it. No matter what it takes to get it. :) So glad to hear of your eskimo kisses and chemical laden drinks.
So, so lovely, Jules – the pictures and the words.
*sigh* Gorgeous. This is so amazingly beautiful and poignant and so what I needed on this Friday morning (I know, I’m late…so sue me. :p)
Wonderful post. Thank you. The last picture made me melt and smile.
I love the picture!