Following Along

The rhythm of my days is incredibly slow. Following along behind two toddlers, engaging, extending and encouraging is akin to watching a ripple flow to the edge of the lake. To them, life is happening at warp speed. To me, watching paint dry would be an increase in velocity.

But I love it. As I dash out of town tonight, painfully aware I wanted to put two posts up and am only just starting one now, I think of the speed with which I have accomplished things today. The brakes eroded down to the little thingy that makes them signal they are worn this last weekend. Cramming in a fix it session in the middle of the juggling of work when I am the one who makes everyone else's life smooth, then dashing home to do the tail end of chores, make phone calls saying I'd be in touch when I got back I was painfully aware that actually I LIKE the toddler timetable.

Yesterday I spent an hour with four pudgy hands manipulating playdo like they were creating the earth for the first time. There was the wonder of making the little strips actually come out of the top of the plastic boys head, and the marvel of a rolling pin making everything flat. As if that was not enough to dazzle the tiny crowd, the words 'cookie cutter' says it all.

That following of the fascinating world of exploration I am forced to do adds the dynamic of wonder to my life everyday. I love it.

Several people have remarked about my opening post in relationship to teenagers. Well, separate thoughts later, but as for engaging, the act of following is more important than ever. You follow, they share when they're ready. You're right there. And what do you do while you're watching them? Lots and lots of self nurture. Like the old Timex watch , you have to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

The dryer is done. The handwash is waiting. As I recline in my airplane seat at 36,000 feet tomorrow with a nice hot cup of tea after a good nap, I will affirm to myself again. Slow has much to offer. Following is the best way to lead.
Love
Deborah