Acorns

"Daddy, look what I got!", Elliott said with proud excitement. I peered into the bottom of his bucket and viewed my son's new found treasure -- Acorns. My brother and sister-in-laws yard had many. Elliott, my inquisitive son and Abbie, his fun-loving cousin enthusiastically took me outside to assist them in filling their yellow tin bucket. As the journey began I became "Daddy Squirrel" and Elliott and Abbie became "Brother and Sister Squirrel." Our vast hunt included the discovery of a snake hole, a slimy worm, and plenty of digging.

As our bucket brimmed to the top, I realized that the treasure was not found in the acorns, but the time spent with each other. They did not ask for my assistance in order to speed up the collection process, but rather to enjoy the hunt together.

A long-time friend has often told me, "Enjoy the journey of life". I would only add, "Enjoy the journey with someone else."

Pugs

It seldom barks, smiles or even moves. His round body labors across the room under his furry, short legs. "Max", my sister's pug, is docile, unplayful -- basically boring. Oh course, my sister has a different perspective. She sees Max as humble, patient, loyal, and extremely tolerant.

I will admit, the longer I was around Max's compliant personality, slow motion walk, and pitiful face; the more I enjoyed his company. He is the kind of dog that has no expectations of your relationship to him, no agenda, and no complaints. He just sits in your lap totally content. All he desires is to be close to you.

God is much the same. His desire to be close to us is unmatched. He is always available and ready to sit with us at any time. He loves being with us more than anything.

I guess Max isn't so boring after all.

Biggest Loser

What an unexpected surprise. Long time friends were in town and sitting at my kitchen table. As our kids and their daughter watched the "Biggest Loser" in the living room, we enjoyed catching up. Suddenly, Elliott my 6 year old soon bolted into the kitchen with seemingly exciting news. "Dad, dad, he lost 100 pounds!" "Who", I asked. "Curtis", Elliott explained as he waved his arms with excitement.

My family and I have enjoyed watching the weight loss reality show, so I tried to remember Curtis. Elliott described him in detail until I could visualize this thinning contestant. "Oh, he is black, right?", I said with confidence. With a look of bewilderment, Elliott corrected me with a sigh, "No Dad, he is not black, he is brown."

In his description of this "brown" man, he never noticed his skin color -- only his accomplishments. My son's simple, untainted view challenged me to do the same.