Life Lessons From the Van

Well our quiet week at home is over. The children all start their activities again this week, spring break is done. Our weeks are filled with ballet, soccer, and scouts. It is busy. We are in the van a lot. I ask myself "Is it worth it?" The answer is yes. For our family, for our children it is worth it.

I see a quiet, shy, reserved little girl come alive when she puts on her leotard and ballet shoes and steps into the studio. This is her passion. She has a natural bent for it. She loves it. On the soccer field she runs right after the ball. There is nothing shy about her there. We call her the powerhouse.

I see another little girl in this same dance studio who has to work at ballet. The steps come slow, but she works and works. At home the steps are practiced again and again until she gets it. She is improving and she knows it. Her perseverance is incredible. It makes me well up with tears of pride and love.

I see a growing boy who was afraid to try Scouts. He wanted to join but wanted his Dad with him to ease him into it. This boy sees his Dad jump into Scouts with both feet. His Dad is out of his comfort zone, he is a "sports guy" not a camper. He commits more time from his already busy work schedule for Scout committee meetings and training certifications all for his son. And again, I well up with tears as I see how dedicated this father is to his son. His son sees this. This year our growing boy who swore off sports forever when he was six, was on the soccer field tonight, running, with a smile on his face. He thought he would give it a try, step out of his comfort zone.

They are running and dancing and riding horses. They are outside breathing in fresh air. They are listening to beautiful music as their bodies memorize the steps. They are performing in front of an audience, sometimes a scary thing. They are playing in games with competitors. They will know the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

They are growing and learning and living as we drive around town in our van. And yes, it is definitely worth it.

Comments

[Tiffany]

I love this post. It is worth it to run our kids all over if they are doing what they love and learning and growing. It is also so great of your husband to do what his son loves and encourage him.