Thirsty?

As July 4th is peeking its head around the corner, I can't help but think we Ohio natives have just an ounce more appreciation for these sought after summer days. When the weather breaks, we're like aunts to a picnic. All the sudden there is a mad dash to get outside made up of people you've never seen before, who seemed to have tripled. A recent trip to Kelley's Island uncovered this lemonade stand and brought back a fresh batch of sweet summer time memories.

It seems your world is composed of a series of No's when you're a kid. No speaking without raising your hand, no name calling, no rough housing, no talking back. Summer was the same, but with a few that were much more appealing. No school, no alarm clocks, no shoes, no bed time. It was 12 weeks where we weren't taken seriously, and our biggest project was making lemonade. I see now those months out of the classroom are where I may have learned the most. 

Kids are funny little creatures. We so easily forget that we all were once in their tiny shoes. We spend billions of dollars and endless hours teaching them manners, math, and maturity and seem to forget that they have just as much to teach us. At one point or another you came across that sign in your classroom that we all know by heart. "Treat others as you want to be treated." This rule, plus a stack of others, is all you seem to know as a child. We are drilled from tots to teens with please and thank you, waiting our turn, and respecting others. What happens when we have to make our own rules as adults? Stress, chaos and emotions help us easily create a new set of rules. When we no longer are under the command of our elders it is easy to put the golden rule, and a plate of others, on the back burner. Think back to kindergarden, ( tough isn't it?). Realizing it or not, your day was overflowing with learning to share, taking turns, listening when others were speaking, and yes, practicing that ever so annoyingly popular, golden rule. What would happen if your waiter said, "Excuse me Sir, but you forgot to say thank you when I filled your glass." You'd probably look at him like he needed some meds and throw out any thoughts of a tip. When we aren't reminded often enough of these simple rules, it's easy to forget. Call me crazy, but suddenly that 5 year old looks pretty smart. 

Children hardly ever come across the same faults we face as adults. Most kids are carefree, inexperienced and unbruised. As we age, every life is going to be faced with challenges, tragedy, and defeat along the way. Children don't get caught in the trap of life distractions to toss them off course, whereas these days, we seem to go flying from the smallest gust of wind. Remember being a child? You can get kids to do just about anything for a little sugar, and they have found their happiness. Somehow as adults we forget about that simple pleasure, and let the lemons in our lives consume us. The bitterness that results from that consumption makes us pucker up instantly leaving a sourness that can linger longer than we may have expected. Some people live their lives blind to their bitterness, taking in all that will fall victim along with them. The trick is to quench your own thirst with your inner child. Even that lingering bitterness can be sugar coated. Indulge in the sweetness of success, the meaning of that golden rule, and the richness in your life. And do I need to say it? Make lemonade. Remind yourself often of those easily forgotten rules. The next time someone says you are acting childish, think back to that kind hearted 5 year old hidden within us all. Use your manners, and politely say, thank you. :o)