One thing you can count on when our grandson John Lewis Carpenter comes to visit: he's going to teach Ganga and Mimi something profound. He was true to form this past week-end when he and our daughter blew in for a fast visit. He drew us right into the "out of the mouths of babes" classroom that so many of us grands get to experience when we hang with the little ones. It's like this. We were deploying for our Saturday morning assignments and were in the car, JL and me relegated to the back seat where we could frolic while the girls weighed their many shopping options.
It was an innocent observation that triggered the latest tutorial. All I said was, "I bet you drive your mother crazy during the week." OK, so this may sound severe and insensitive to you bleeding hearts but anyone who knows me understands that it was said in fun. You know, the grandparent getting somewhat of a kick out of the fact that mommy and daddy are getting a run for their money from this active child. Well, more, payback. What joy!
I kid you not, he looked me right in the eyes, not a bit of a smile on his face, as serious as a heart attack, and said, dead-pan, " every single day!" It was strangle that laugh time, if you know what I mean, the gag reflex of trying not to glorify or over-play this bit of pre-school drama. "Every single day", indeed. Fughedaboudit!
Liz didn't know where he picked that one up. I mean, the names he calls other drivers and the choice words he uses at life's normal frustrations I'm sure are from Scott's side of the family, no doubt. But, where this "every single day" thing derived is still a puzzle. Maybe from the pre-school program? Other little drama queens and kings?
But, a night of laughter and some further reflection nudge me toward the life lesson of such a comment. You see, consistency may be the most visible missing element of life in our culture. Most of us can get worked into a lather about just about anything---events, causes, activities, life changes, commitments, organizations, careers---and just have trouble finding that same level of stuff day after day. So, the diet fluctuates, Bible study wavers, prayer time shifts, exercise varies, and all the worthy things that we know could make a difference in our personal lives comes and goes like so many whims. This "every single day" comment is the simple wish for consistency, some follow through, the stuff to carry an idea or thought or promise to the next level.
As a 60 year, 363 day dieter, I know this deal all too well, the new leaf that turns back over at the mere mention of chocolate. Every thing about life is conditioned by the consistency of the recipe. Marriage, faith, careers, relationships, family, friendships, church commitments, financial well-being---all are subject to the amount of consistency that we bring to it. Occasional is occasional. Occasional doesn't get it done. It is the "every single day" mind-set that conquers bad habits and reckless routines.
Lesson? When the grandchildren are around, listen up, or pay attention. "Out of the mouths of babes" Memo # 1,348 may be coming.
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