Wood Tape

This post made my day. Go read it, and then if you want to read my comments, come on back. I don’t want to spoil it for you.

…

Did you read it? I know it’s long, but as one friend said when I shared it on google plus, it’s worth every second. One of my other friends shared it on twitter saying it’s one of the best things he read in a long time, and I must concur. Assuming you’re done reading it now, here are my thoughts on the matter, and I would love to hear yours, too:

Thought One: Never Underestimate a Kid!
I’m totally struggling to put my thoughts into words right now and communicate them properly. Words aren’t my native language. But I’m going to try:

“If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to hear it, did it make a sound?” This has always been a “duh!” question to me. Of course it made a sound.

Likewise, If a child expresses brilliant ideas and complex feelings, are they any less amazing when nobody notices?

When I say my kids are amazing but it’s not my doing, they came from the factory that way, and people say “Ah, but it’s because you’re a good mother!” — and I know I’m a far cry from that! — is it possible that “being a good mother” in this case is simply a matter of observing how incredible kids are?

Frankly I was rather surprised that the dad in this story didn’t see right off what his kid was trying to do. My friend David pointed out (in a facebook comment) that it’s possible we saw it coming earlier because the father is describing the story from a hindsight perspective. But another friend said he didn’t see it coming: ” I was operating under the same assumptions as the father.” That said, I was super impressed with the way the father let his child work this out on his own, for his experience.

Which brings me to Thought Two: Never Underestimate Yourself.
(More struggle to put this into words. Sorry if I end up using too many.) I couldn’t help but compare this father to our Father in Heaven. Ever feel a bit like that little guy in the hardware store, struggling to get what you need? Would it be easier if Dad just jumped in and saved the day? Well guess what? He knows you and will never underestimate you. He knows what you’re capable of, and lets you handle as much as He does because He knows it’s how you’ll learn. Feeling discouraged? Don’t be afraid to ask for some help, but know God wouldn’t give you any challenge you cannot master. He’s there to support you. He even covered the bill.

Anyway, like I said, I don’t know if that came out right. But let me know your thoughts on this story. I really loved it. And if you understand what I’m trying to say here and have a way of expressing it clearly, feel free to post that, too.