don't let the panic bring you down

Just yesterday I realized how incredibly lucky I am to have the kind of family I do.

Well, I've always known that I'm lucky, but it's something i push to the back of my head without ever really reveling in it.

My family is so unique- after my parents had my 3 biological sisters & me, they added 3 more little ones from China to the tree. There's a huge gap between Sarah (8) & my youngest biological sister Kirstyn (16), & some families wouldn't be able to handle that. But I think we do very well.

Yesterday Sarah & I were in a store & we slowly walked by the diamond jewelry section, admiring the sparkling earrings, necklaces, & rings. When we were looking at the rings specifically, Sarah strung together a few simple words that filled me with the wonderment of her innocence,

"I wonder if they change color."

Unfortunately I had to inform her that these kinds of rings don't change color, which she seemed to take ok. But, wow. As we were gazing at diamonds, her only thought was if they changed color, like the plastic mood ring she wears around her finger. This amazes me!!

Without the 3 little rascals in my life, how would I be reminded of little things like this? I am so blessed to daily be prompted about how simple life can be if only we allow it. I am aware that most people in my stage of life, transitioning from teen into young adult, are void this blessing. And so it's no wonder that they get sucked into the monotony of the "real world" & forget the freedom we all once held as a child.

The grumpy old man in the grocery store line used to spend his summer days fishing with his buddies.

The rude & seemingly lifeless customer relations person on the other end of your phone line used to love reading Dr. Seuss.

The angry cashier decked out in her chipped black nail polish used to wear nothing but yellow.

These guys know how to live, & they can't even drive!