Moments

We have had one of the best family summer vacations. Immediately after the long-haul journey in Europe, our daughter will start her fourth-year school the next day.

Saying goodbye to our trip inevitably means tear drops for Jasmine, whereas the first day of school gives her much excitement in buying eraser and packing the school bag.

I was reading the last chapter of John O'Leary's On Fire on the plane when Jasmine wept over the end of our trip. John O'Leary talked about the never-ending enthusiasm of kids who are fired up for their first day of school, first train ride, first dance, first time on a plane. They are totally in that moment, beaming at every landmark they pass, widening their eyes at every tunnel. Sadly, this is not the case for adults, whose enthusiasm saps out. And boredom seeps in.

I nodded when I saw the way to learn from children to live every day fully alive and fully engaged.