3 year-olds

A few months ago I was asked to help at a school near home. Having nothing else to do, I went.

I quickly discovered that there were a lot of things that three year-olds couldn’t do by themselves and how much they rely on their teacher for help.

Although a common thought would be duhhh…

I also realized just how smart they are. So much so, that they knew when they were testing my patience. They knew when I was excited or upset with them. Nevertheless they wanted to do what they thought was right. What they thought was better. What they thought would make them happy.

Funny, huh? Doesn’t it remind you of the world today?

These three-year olds went through so much, just because they decided to do what they wanted. I had to take so many bruised, scratched, and cut kids to the nurse because of it. Sure, there wasn’t anything super serious that happened.

I think that the most interesting part of it all was that they still did it. No matter how many times they got bruised and scratched or got into trouble, many kids would still go back and do it again.

Why?

There are many reasons. A primary one might be because they cannot begin to comprehend what will happen long term. Their small brains only think of now. What I want now. What I like now. How I can get that treat now.

They don’t think of the future or the past, for that matter.

In some ways, I think its so silly how they cannot comprehend it. In another way, they really do live in the present.

I realize that I want to be like a three-year old. I want to live in the present. But I also refuse to be like them because I don’t want to stop learning from my mistakes. We have all been three year-olds wanting our way.

I have met countless adults who always want their way and refuse to learn from their mistakes, stubbornly thinking that their way is best. It doesn’t help anyone; it just hurts those around them.

What’s your choice?