Every time I set foot on my back porch I’m greeted with these words. I can’t help but smile; in fact I bought this mat for that very reason. I knew it would consistently make me smile. But it was when I looked a little deeper…that’s when I found a whole lot more.
There was a tag attached to this mat and at first glance it seemed like typical care instructions, but as I started reading I noticed more than that. It turns out this mat is made form coconut husks, and is 100% environmentally friendly. I shared this fact with my 4-year-old, which immediately inspired a research project on coconuts. A few articles and videos later, we had both learned SO much. What stood out to me was that scientists are saying that coconuts are the next super food. There are SO many benefits that I didn’t have a clue about (I’ll share all I’ve learned in a future post). What stood out to Caleb was how cool it is to know how to break open a coconut without using any tools (thanks, Youtube). At any rate, we were both amazed at what we learned.
I would not have had that leaning experience with my child had I not taken the time to read that tag. I would not have read that tag if I didn’t have an approach to life that usually leads me to take my time with things. I haven’t always been this way. In this day in age, it is go-go-go, right? Find the quickest, easiest way? Work less and make more? Learn faster? And I’m not saying any of these things are bad. They can be very good. But not if they are the paths always chosen. Because if you live like that all the time, you will inevitably miss something. I’ve faced circumstances in my life that have simply forced me to slow down. And now, I actually prefer a slower pace.
No, I am not a coconut expert by any means. But I do know a lot more than I did before. And I did spend a super sweet afternoon with my child, learning with him. All of which happened because I took my time with something very small. So if all that can happen from reading a tag, how much more can be gained when we take our time with even bigger things? I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
No matter how long it takes.
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