allowing competent magic

My kid is feeling good about himself right now.  He's in the back yard, helping an older boy whom I've hired to clear a bunch of weeds. I wasn't looking forward to this afternoon.  I had envisioned sweating in the heat, attacked by mosquitoes, as I assist two little boys in pulling weeds.  Instead, I've stepped back, sprayed them with bug spray, and am sitting in the shade writing while they work. They feel good about what they're doing, I'm here to help if needed, and we are all winning.

When we step back, and allow others' competence to create magic, a sense of calm and peace can arise. That is a gift. It's a gift to ourselves, and it's a gift of trust and belief in the abilities of others to contribute. This is especially true when those we are allowing to shine are young people. I forget just how much my seven-year-old can do for himself.  I forget that an eleven-year-old can handle sharp tools and responsibility for another kid. But when I remember... 

It's magic.

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