"It's more fun when you help."

My children are learning how to cook and are at the point where they can do a lot by themselves.  They've learned a lot and are turning into pretty good cooks.  In fact, I can already tell they're both going to be better cooks than I am.  They enjoy trying new dishes and they take pride in selecting and preparing those dishes all by themselves.  

That's why I was a little surprised when my daughter asked if I was going to help this morning.  We have been trying to find an easy and yummy biscuit recipe.  I found one on-line and we modified it a little then they started mixing everything together.  I was working and continued after finding the new recipe since they seemed to have everything under control.  

Then my daughter asked if I was going to come help.  Wow!  Of course I got right up to help.  The recipe didn't take a lot of work so the biscuits were soon ready to go into the oven.  Neither daughter said anything more about it being fun when I was in the kitchen, but I could tell they were glad I had joined them.  The biscuits turned out great and a few minutes later we were at the table enjoying our freshly baked biscuits.

After breakfast I got back to work and my daughters got started with some of their school work.  They always have some work that they do on their own such as math practice or reading.  I got to thinking how when they were smaller I had to spend a lot more "hands on" time with them.  We had a lot of fun when they learned how to count or write the ABCs and when they memorized our address and phone number.  They don't need me as they as much now as they learn and I'm glad.  I want them to be self-learners as adults, so this is a good stepping stone.

As I typed away on my keyboard I thought about how much they enjoyed it when I joined them in the kitchen this morning. They didn't need me, but they wanted me.  How valuable was that?  How precious?  How fragile? 

As much as I want my children to be self-learners as adults, I want them to desire a close relationship with me as adults even more.  I got up from my work and picked up a book from my reading stack and sat down at the table where my daughter was working on math problems.  She didn't need any help, but I thought she might enjoy the silent company.  Sure enough, as I sat down she asked, "Are you joining me?"  I told her I was and got a hug in return.  That was my confirmation that I was on the right track.  It seemed like just one little thing, but maybe it wasn't so little after all.  Hhhhmmm.  That's something I'll have to think about more often.

With all the "little" things that draw our families closer and warm a parent's heart, I wish you love and joy!