This is Sammy. She's the "almost 4-year-old" that I have been watching for two years now. I say her age in that fashion because I am so used to her making it known that her 4th birthday is right around the corner. Chris and I have been invited to her July party since around Christmas time. I think it's fantastic that she talks about her birthday like it's the best thing since the invention of popsicles. How many of us brag for months leading up to it that we are reaching our late-20's? ;)
So where does this excitement about turning older diminish? And does it really have to? Yesterday, we had our first strong spring thunderstorm roll through Denver. I suggested to Sammy that we sit out on the front porch swing and watch it move by. She wanted nothing to do with this idea, but rather, wanted to watch through the window inside... getting very wide-eyed and panicky every time the thunder crashed. About 15 minutes had passed and I noticed a shift in her behavior. She got all geared up as if she wanted to head outside. She told me she was "preparing" and "being brave" by choosing a jacket that kept her dry and boots that were made specifically for rain. Before I knew it I was being asked to roll up her pant legs so she could "puddle stomp".
I know, I know... where are you going with this Nikki? I guess I had an epiphany as I watched a 3 year old stomp into a puddle of rain water. We all fear things and take strong caution towards certain areas of our lives. For some of us it's turning a year older; for others it's starting something maybe we're not positive we can finish. I know personally it makes me a tad nervous that I'm starting a full-time 2 year program in the Fall, and will be 29 (plus some change) when I'm finished. Don't get me wrong... I'm ecstatic, but never-the-less a little nervous too. Can I handle the stress? How are finances going to work out? How often will Chris and I be able to see each other? The list can go and on and on, but worrying will do nothing but waste precious time and energy. The beauty of these fears, worries, or hesitations is that we all have some sort of jacket and/or pair of rain boots that will help prepare us for the big storm. For me, it's Faith in God and the support from family and friends. Age is only a number and it's not too often we have the opportunity to jump carelessly into a puddle. I hope this encourages you (yes, YOU) to go forth with whatever it is you're working towards. Cheers to making the biggest splash you've ever made!
P.S. - If you have the chance to hang out with a toddler, I highly suggest it. They teach you some of the most amazing life lessons and inevitably make you feel young at heart. Thank you "Sam-a-lam-a-ding-dong"! ;)
