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Make the Ordinary Come Alive

Posted by on December 22, 2014 in athlete, coaching, parenting | 2 Comments

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I would not want to be a kid today.

Would you?

Sure, the internet and laptop computers makes homework easier.  And the invention of the DVR means that in addition to the 200 plus channels that stream into most homes, you never have to miss your favorite TV program.

Nevertheless, it sometimes feels that the expectation is that children today must be incredible athletes, exceptional artists as well as ambitious leaders of their own non-for-profits.  Being “average” is horrifying.

That said, being a parent is not that easy either.  In fact, sometimes parenting feels like a competitive sport.  And that instead of raising happy, healthy kids with good character, we are expected to cultivate a child who is an Olympian or a Harvard graduate (preferably both).  Minimally, we are told that we are to help our kids find their passion.

So, when I came across this poem by William Martin from The Parent’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents which was posted on a friend’s Facebook wall, it was like a breath of fresh air (and I don’t even like poetry).

“Make the Ordinary Come Alive ”

Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is a way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples, and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.

May you all have an extraordinarily ordinary 2015!