The Nature of Change

Those that know me, might tell you that I have just the tiniest touch of perfectionism and control-freakishness. (How dare they?)

For a lifetime I have battled my own assumption that there would come a time when everyone would be healthy, well-rested and getting along, the fridge and wallets would be full, the floor swept, the dishes done, the weeds pulled, some saint will have picked up the dry-cleaning, work would be fun and fulfilling, our flossing habits would be legendary, and the pets would carry around their own lint rollers. Once this formula was unlocked, it all would (and this is key) stay that way. This was the imaginary finish line that I was running towards, trying to make it all happen. Consciously, I know that this is not how it works but still I would find myself trying to get There.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus (smart guy, unfortunate name) is credited with saying that, “The only thing constant is change”. I know this to be true and I am really, really trying to “get it”. There is one person (besides The Oprah) who is really helping me to absorb this idea: My Kid.

There’s the matter of him changing daily. It was just last weekend that Bob was a tiny, squishy baby. Now he’s a talking, running, singing, climbing, hugging, drawing, building, boy-person.

He will wake from a nap and it is painfully obvious that he has grown 2 inches in the last 3 hours. He is all change all the time; a new word, a new fear, a new sweetness, a new sound, a new number, a new trick, a new friend, a new something; every 20 minutes.

Also, Bob notices the change in everything.

“Mama, the trees are making some colors.”

“That big spider has a web. Does the spider like to get hugs?”

“Are these new flowers for eating? They smell like pink clouds.”

“Mama? You finished all the ice cream? Oh, Mama…”

Really, everything.

So, with Bob's help I do my best to remember that Here is the only There that counts. I know that Here is messy and perfectly imperfect and fleeting and crazy and beautiful.

I know that Here is uncontrollable and that is the nature of change and that is a blessing.


You Capture is a weekly photo challenge at a mama blog I like:
I Should Be Folding Laundry
This week's challenge is: Nature
In my photo above, I am watching Bob, watching nature.