A Big Yes

My family had the great pleasure of being on a cruise last week.  We ate and slept and sunned and generally were spoiled for seven sunny days.  One of my kids' favorite parts was the ice cream machine set just next to the pool.  Grab a little crunchy cone and pick your flavor.  Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry.  My preference was the Strawberry. Tasted just like Nestle Quick Strawberry Milk.  It made me feel like I was five. 

On the last day of the trip we were sitting by the pool and our five year old came up and sat on the edge of the deck chair.  She looked up at me with those big blue eyes and told us what had happened just minutes before.  Apparently our 5 year old met a big kid on the splash and play structure. This big kid was bragging and gloating about how she'd eaten six ice cream cones.  Big kid told our little no way could she have six ice cream cones.  Her mama would be so mad.  The answer would be NO. 

So here sat my little one with her head cocked to the side to see how we'd respond. 

My husband and I looked at each other and grinned. 

We turned and nodded at the little one. 

Her eyes widened and she tentatively confirmed "I can have six ice cream cones?"  

We nodded again. 

Huge massive smile and off she bounded. 

Listen. I know life is hard sometimes. There is definitely evil in the world.  And I'm teaching my kids about boundaries and work ethic and forgiveness and waiting.  Hard and fruitful lessons.  

But its not all I'm teaching them. 

I'm also teaching them about fun and joy and grace.  Sometimes we cross joy off our own life's list because we assume the answer is NO.  We listen to everyone around us say we shouldn't ask, shouldn't dare, shouldn't dream. 

Sometimes you get six ice cream cones. Don't disqualify yourself because someone else said it won't work.  Go ahead and ask.