While enjoying a day at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, we stumbled across a thought-provoking outdoor exhibit called NOTICE: A Flock of Signs in the 100 Acres. The barrage of signs are described as ‘deliberately perplex, misdirect, and even contradictory.’ Well, that sounds a whole lot like life, don’t you think?
As I watched my eight year old explore the signs, I wondered how (or if) he was processing the concepts that the signs seemed to be shouting at us. It was only for a split second, but let me warn you, there is something really quite moving about seeing your child right smack next to a sign that says ‘TWO DIVERGENT PATHS’ while you are standing in the woods (no matter how silly he is being).
Later as I was reflecting about that moment and I pulled out Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken. I began to think about the path I have chosen. I thought about the path my husband and I are choosing together. I thought about my children and the choices each will face on their journeys.
I began to wonder about what paths my kids will choose in this messy and beautiful world. Should I hope that they choose the road less traveled? Typical parenting worries visited me. How can I set them up for success? Should I or could I be doing more? If so, what?
And then I breathed. And I breathed again. And I found comfort in knowing that these children are loved more than stars love shooting. I believe that my unconditional love will guide me to guide them to make their own choices. And I will love them no matter which path they choose. After all, for them, this is their real journey called life. I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
Do you choose the road less traveled?
Wow! Very thoughtful post! It is scary to think of our kids growing up in this world! Hopefully we are preparing them to make wise choices!
Thanks for your comment, Kristen. Yes, how to teach our children to make wise choices is certainly one of the things top of mind for me.
what a wonderful blog, I just loved reading this. have a wonderful weekend.
I love that poem. I know that the path I chose in college would have better been served if I had gone to cullinary school then. Knowing what I know now… I chose the path maybe of least resistance then (teaching) and then I was completely thrown off my game after grad school when I became disabled. I guess there is the what if game to play with anyone but I hope the very best for your son and just the fact that you are allowing him to explore now sounds like a path of great learning and growing for him!
Carolyn, thanks for your remarks. Would it be possible to go to culinary school now or would it be too difficult with your disability? Wishing you the best on your journey.
This is a great blog post! I truly enjoyed it! I also read your “About” page. We have a lot in common. You are seeking a path of authenticity and I am seeking a path of voluntary simplicity. Neither of them that far off. I look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂
Sherida, I checked out your blog. It sounds like you are certainly on a similar journey. I love the concept of voluntary simplicity. Best wishes to you and yours.
What a wonderful post! Frost’s poem that you mention is one of my all time favorite poems. Our conscious preparation today pays off tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Blessings.
Penny