I shared a story yesterday that I think is worth repeating.
Matthew was in our driveway on Sunday afternoon, trying to pick up a worm and return him to the safety of our flower beds. I was in the kitchen working, but periodically glanced outside to check on how he was doing.
After about eight or ten minutes, he yelled through the kitchen window asking for help. It seems Matthew couldn't pick the worm up without squishing it in his fingers. I was wrapped up in a project, so instead I encouraged him to use a stick.
He was satisfied and I bought myself some time.
After four or five minutes of trying to coax the worm onto the stick, Matthew gave up on Plan B and came inside to insist on my help.
Still not finished, I made one last ditch attempt. I suggested that Matthew scoop up the worm up by sliding it onto an index card.
Off he went and I bought myself still more time.
After another three or four minutes of trying, it worked. Matthew successfully scooped up the worm and returned it to the safety of our flowerbed.
Funny thing. What started out as me buying time, turned out being the perfect chance to cultivate Shine.
Later that night we sat down to dinner. Matthew was served on the coveted Shine plate - the special yellow dinner plate reserved for moments when someone in the family does something noteworthy.
I explained to Matthew that he earned the Shine plate because earlier in the day, when trying to save the worm, he exhibited persistence. Persistence is a quality we value in the Beeny house. Being persistent means you are taking risks, trying new things, and willing to tackle the unfamiliar. Being persistent means, somewhere in the recedes of your mind, you believe - with just a little more time and effort - you can do it. Persistence requires confidence.
I thought, when dismissing Matthew's requests for help, that I was buying more time. In reality what happened could not have been bought. It was priceless. Matthew - at the age of six - was in the throws of developing the very qualities that as an adult will make him Shine. That moment, with Matthew in the driveway and me only looking on from the kitchen, was a snapshot of Matthew learning to Shine.
Shine can be cultivated. We can cultivate it in ourselves and, if we're really good, we can try cultivating it in others.
The worm, the plate, the inadvertent lesson I learned on Sunday when not helping Matthew - it's all got me thinking. How do you cultivate shine in yourself and in others? Visit us in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post and share your some of your ideas.
Shining off until tomorrow...