A few days ago, I took my three year old son to McDonald's for a nutritous lunch. He was looking forward to two things: a happy meal with a new star wars toy and some quality time in the playland.
Once we arrived, Jackson assisted me with the order, as always, waiting until I finished with his order and chiming in, "and a toy." The cashier then informed us that they were out of star wars toys - the ones in the display case next to the order counter for children to drool over. Instead, kids had their choice of one of three (rather lame) Ronald McDonald toys. My son snatched up the most interesting one and I grabbed the grub and we headed to a booth near the playland.
After we started eating, I asked Jackson if he was disappointed that they were out of the Star Wars toys. He replied, "yea." Then, I followed with another question, asking him if it made him sad. His second reply took me by suprise. Jackson, without hesitation and with an animated voice, said, "nobody died!"
I nearly choked on my fries hearing his response. I then chuckled a bit and said to my three year old, "your absolutely right. I am glad that you have such a good perspective on this."
As I think about my own life and the circumstances that sometimes don't go my way, I can always remember the wisdom of my son and his ability to put things in eternal perspective. If he can do it at 3, then surely I can do it at 33.
Official blog of New Creation Church of Omaha
