“We’re bored!”, they whined.
“Go Play”, I replied hard-heartedly. “Out!”
Its a wonder what kids will come up with when you refuse to fix their “boredom” problem. I remember this from my own childhood. I grew up in a home where we did not even own a TV screen or handheld device until I was a late teenager. We were sent outside unendingly to find our own version of fun. Today I have such good memories of the little forts we built in the woods, using moss to line the floor, and little sticks and junk treasures for dishes. Or the trees that we would climb and get covered in piney sap, just to see the immense view. Or that one tree where my sisters and I sat in its low hanging branches and tried out our voices at acappella harmony. It was good.
Somedays I worry that life is too easy and too convenient for my own kids. They are provided with so many privileges, so many time saving conveniences that are just considered “normal” in our day. They do work hard, I have my husband to thank for that! But still, there is a forklift and skidloader to run, not a pitch fork. There is a dirt bike and a 4 wheeler to jump on, who wants to walk anywhere? They can earn and buy what they want so fast. I am grateful for the blessings, but at the same time, aware that hardness in life has a deep and profound effect that we might just miss out on if we’re not careful.
Anyway, here are my 3 middle boys having a blast! Alex (10) was assigned to go out into the pastures and pick up trash. The wind has a way of blowing all sorts of things out over the fields during the winter months. He decided to rig up a sled behind the 4 wheeler and seated his 2 little brothers on it, complete with a bin to put the trash in. And what could be better? He even had 2 willing helpers (ages 3 and 5) to do all the dirty work! They loved it! It was a WIN all around!
