We give our children many gift. Today I’d like to thank my mother for a gift she gave me.
Contentment.
I was bemoaning my lack of prowess in sports when she reminded me that I had other talents. She added the cautionary note, “There will always be those who are better than you and some who are not as competent–in whatever you do. Be happy with where you are. Be glad for your friends when they succeed at something. It’s a gift to them. Everyone needs cheers. So, instead of comparing myself to others I can be happy for others. Give your child this gift. Contentment does not squash the desire to succeed or the desire for excellence. It does not give licenses to be satisfied with mediocrity. I strive to improve, set higher and higher goals for myself always. But at the same time I am free to be happy for my friends whey they get awards, publication credits, just good things in normal life–their joy adds to mine. A life with more joy. Isn’t that what we want? Thank you, Mom, for your gift. I hope it is one I passed on.
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