Wednesday January 30th, 2008
Yesterday in her play and music class, I watched as Naomi helped in the group’s clean-up. She gathered small musical instruments and colored sticks to return to the teacher. When the call for clean-up came, she began to pick up the items, one by one, until her arms were full with about eight different things, too much for her small hands to keep a hold of.
No doubt some would fall. One blue stick tumbled out. She paused, reached down, grasped the blue stick as a small cymbal fell out of her other arm. She walked one step, then stopped to pick up what she had dropped. As she reached for the cymbal, two more items fell. She didn’t even blink as she reached for those as well.
The clean-up proceeded like this, with Naomi pausing almost every step to bend down to pick up one more thing that she had dropped. But she didn’t become upset. It was as if this was normal: to stop and pick up what she had dropped. Her goal was to fill her arms with as many things as she could carry and then to let them all fall into the bucket.
Apparently she had too many things in her arms.
I smiled as I watched her and I immediately thought that if it was me, I would have either made two trips or would have at very least become frustrated by the third drop.
So, even though in my adult wisdom I am smarter than to try to put too many things in my physical arms, I obviously don’t heed my own advice when it comes to juggling events and responsibilities and tasks I must complete.
Apparently, I often have too many things in my own arms.
I metaphorically pick up way too many things for my limited arms and they are destined to tumble out and down. I then must stop and pick up what I’ve dropped, taking more time than if I had limited what I carried in the first place. I am learning to say no to things and people even before the need arises to stop to pick up what I’ve dropped.
And if I find myself in a place where I have gathered too many tasks in my arms, too many things that weigh on me and pressure me to a bursting point, I must remember my daughter, who calmly stopped (even if at EACH step) and picked up what she had dropped. She had a goal in mind, and nothing could deter her.
Oh Sarah – that is me too! One of my goals for this year is to say no more often. I have to learn to say no and be okay with others being upset or not understanding. I need to say no so that my family life isn’t disrupted and so I can keep things in my life organized and stable – not feeling like we are running in too many directions. If something isn’t going to fit the new answer is no – not yes and then feeling stressed and crazed and wondering why yes is so much easier to say than no.
I do this too. This year I said no to a few things, but then have to struggle with guilt, because they were good things, they need help… I love the way you see into daily events and make them an example for us.
so, so true. love the pic.
We have so much to learn from our little ones. Hopefully, we always take the time to listen to what they are teaching.
Hi Sarah, I am faith’s (who sometimes comments on your blog)sister. I teach preschool and I often contemplate why us women find it hard to say no, but when one of my preschoolers says no to me or another teacher we always respond with “you dont say no to your teachers.” that is probably the wrong thing to say. We are just teaching them to not say no but then as adults we get upset with ourselves for not saying NO. i’ve seen the cycle and i am trying to stop it because I, too, have a hard time saying NO.
What a great metaphor for us mommies! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sarah. This one was for me today. As i get older, i find myself running faster so that no one can say i’m slowing down but as the balls drop faster, i think my sweet precious Jesus is telling me no one will think less of me if i drop a ball and that it’s okay to say “no”!
This post hit too close to home! I had to tell my Pastor that I could not fulfill some duties that needed to get done since I have my hands full especially with 4 under the age of 5. It was hard to tell him that knowing that we are shortmanned and need all the help.
I find myself getting easily frustrated too. Children don’t seem encumbered by time. Why is it that we do?
Your daughter is beautiful—I love that older baby/younger toddler look she has. That would be a great photo in black and white too!
Your posts are such a blessing to me, Sarah. Even though I don’t comment everyday, I do make sure that I stop by your blog sometime each day, and I am always touched by your words.
This is a great post. And reminds me very much of Becca. She too likes to carry more than she is able, even if it means dropping things and picking them up every two steps.
Naomi is beautiful. Gorgeus picture!