Sunday, September 6, 2009

Pathways

I have this ongoing argument about paths with my children. More significantly pathways. Often I ban toys in "my area"; the living room, the dining room, my bedroom. Those general places where I pretend "we-are-organized", my "children-items-can-be-elsewhere" space. As I walked outside this morning, I observed all the objects in the pathways. Things for the average adult to trip upon. The order queen in me was ready to criticize "clear that from the pathway, someone is bound to break their neck not looking where they are going!" Translate, I will break my neck by not paying attention. Instead I paused.

Clearly my children are pondering how someone will encounter the pathway with their creations upon it. Will someone see it for what it is? A path to creation and imagination? When did their imaginative designs become only an obstacle in the path of my walking? I will relegate that judgment of mine to the person I was yesterday and say today precarious space means nothing to the adventurer, all space is negotiable, it is my job to honor this and be mindful that creativity is everywhere. Now if I can just keep that in my heart...