a handful of dirt

On Friday, Tru and I were outside. I was cooking on the grill (so boring, by the way!) and he was digging in the dirt. He walked over to me with a handful of dirt and mulch and other things and asked me to hold out my hand. And, because I didn't know what was in that pile of dirt ~ worms, centipedes, spiders? ~ I said no thank you and walked past him.
The instant I did it, I realized that I had made the wrong choice. And as I turned around and watched him let his treasure trickle through his hands onto the ground, I felt terrible. I had a chance to show my child that I value him and I missed it because I was scared to have a worm wriggling in my hands. Pretty sad.
Thankfully, I realized that Tru's look of disappointment was because he had failed to capture the grasshopper that he had thought was in that pile of dirt. Regardless though, it was a good reminder for me about affirming my kids. It would have taken five seconds to hold out my hands and let Tru pour the dirt in. Five seconds that would have told Truett that he is valued and that I take delight in the things that delight him. I missed it this time but every day is new, and I have no doubt that there will be more chances to hold out my hands to receive something from one of my children and give them my love in return.

photo by: Pink Sherbet Photography  http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/6951659848/