Learning in Process -- Proceed with Peace

Sometimes in life, we get to a point where we think we have it altogether and sometimes we figure out that we still have alot to learn.

Cade's preschool does a gift from Santa every year.  They do this instead of a gift exchange so that everyone gets something and parents know what their child is getting.  It is cute, a little weird but, whatever.  So, we were told to bring a book wrapped from Santa.

Cade is at a stage where he loves dinosaurs.  So, I was at the bookstore and found this really cool book that talked about the different dinosaurs and even had a section of magnets that he could play with on the back cover.  It was pretty cool.  I wrapped it and took it to school for Santa.

So, yesterday, I go to pick up Cade and get all his party stuff.  He was telling me about Santa and was saying he got a book.  "Oh cool!! Show mom what book you got."  The book was nowhere to be found.  It was not in his cubby, his backpack, or anywhere in the classroom that me, the director and the afternoon teacher could find.

I have to admit, I was pissed.  I was frustrated.  How was I going to explain to my 4 year old that the book he got from Santa was taken home by somebody else and he probably was not going to get it back.  I bought that book specifically for Cade.

The director kept apologizing and assuring me that whoever took it home would bring it back.  Me, still being frustrated, just smiled and said nothing.  We bid our farewell and left.

I was mad.  I was still frustrated with the whole thing.  Cade was upset but 4 year olds get over things alot faster than mommy.

So, the morning after, my understanding and learning continues.  I relooked at the situation in a new light.  Cade has a gazillion books.  We have been blessed with a Nanny who retired from teaching Kindergarten and make Barnes and Nobles look bare when it comes to the children's section.  Cade has other dinosaur books and I can buy him just  about whatever book he wants.

Perhaps the child who took the book home did not have a lot of books.  The child will get alot of enjoyment out of the book and I should be happy that I was able to share that with the child.  Maybe, also, the parent will realize that they took an extra book home and the book will be returned on Monday.

In life we can handle situations in many different ways.  We can rant and get mad when things don't go over well.  We can throw a temper tantrum and be big babies about things.

On the otherhand, we can realize that we have wonderful blessings in our life.  I have a cuddly boy snuggling next to me right now who knows he is loved and cared for more than he can imagine.  We live lives that are not frivilous by any means but we also have the ability to go buy another silly book and move on.

Life is how you choose to take it.  Guess I still have some learning to do.