We're on the Same Team

Having kids is a bit like looking in the mirror and I'm not talking about outward appearance.  Children have a way of bringing who we really are out in the open.  We can't hide or pretend that we know everything.  There are times when my children are my greatest teachers.  Times like when little KJ is sick, but she still smiles at me, like just being alive is the greatest gift in the world.  She reminds me to see the beauty in the everyday.

A few weeks ago, Little E reminded me of a very valuable point.  We were in the back yard playing football.  At 2 1/2, he doesn't know the rules (at 32 1/2 neither do I).  Before we started throwing the ball and running around, Little E exclaimed, "We're on the same team!".  To him, there was no competition.  He is right, we are on the same team.  So, before each "play" we would put our hands in together and yell, "Go Team!"

Too often, in the hustle and bustle of everyday living we forget this.  Too often, we are set in our ways.  Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

I am still trying to figure out what this means.  We often see life through the lens of competitive sports, win/lose, black and white.  Too many things are often lose/lose such as war (even if there is a justifiable reason- does anyone really win?), divorce, etc.  But, there are also win/win situations in life.  In Christ, we all win.  In attempting peace, we all win. 
So, our afternoon ended with a reminder from my spiritually deep and mature son (ok, so I am probably a little biased, but for being a toddler, he is pretty amazing).  By the way, about a week later, I caught him in the fridge eating a stick of butter.  I guess no matter how grown up your kids are at times, they are still kids!

Butter = Pure Happiness!