I love the things kids come up with to describe the world as they see and experience it! I especially love it when they make comments about adults!
A few years back, when our oldest grandson (now 13 years of age) was around 5, he came up with one of my all-time favorite comments about me! Now before I go any further, I must tell you two things: (1) I am bald – have been a very long time; and (2) I am not sensitive about it one bit! With those two very important facts established, on to the comment.
Bald is beautiful! Bald is also very easy! On the very tip-top of my head I have only a scant few straggler hairs that continue to hang on for dear life! If I let them grow out just a little, the top of my head would look like a sparsely populated cornfield after harvest! Seriously! The rest of my head – above my ears, around the back and up to the side of the top (is this confusing?) I have some hair. In order to simplify things, I shave my head. Much, much easier to maintain!
On to the description. Suffice to say that all three of our grandsons have shown a somewhat comical fascination with my absence of hair. All three have made comments about my smooth pate; however, the one made by the oldest stands out more than the others. One day the little guy walked up behind me, rubbed the back of my head and said, “Hey Golgi (that’s what I’m called) you have some hair seeds back there! You can grow some hair!” Everyone within ear shot roared with laughter!
Ever since that day, that phrase has become a family favorite! I loved the way he looked at my head and submitted a very positive statement of possibility! Hair Seeds! Too much!
He saw a problem – His Golgi had no hair. He conceived a solution – the recognition of hair seeds. He shared his observation – I could grow some hair as a result! To him it was obvious! What kept me from seeing it?
What can we learn about finding answers to seemingly unsolvable problems? Like my grandson we can:
- Recognize and name the problem (objectively, factually, realistically)
- Conceive a solution – one that takes in all available information from all perspectives
- Share the answer with anticipation of engagement (namely purposeful dialogue, debate and discussion)
All too often when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we focus on people rather than problems. We jump to conclusions rather than look for solutions. We share our narrow answers as if they are the only ones worth considering.
Whenever I find myself faced with tough problems, I work hard to remember that “I have hair seeds. I can grow some hair!” And I revel in the positivity of my dear grandson’s perspective!
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
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