An Unexpected Umbrella

I had 20 minutes to spend with my three year old today while the other two were occupied. So we went on a walk.

I almost brought my phone. I tell myself I keep it with me so I can take pictures, and I absolutely do. But I think the reason I actually can’t stand to be away from it, is because I’m addicted to it. Like many of us, I check it often…

“Has anyone else looked at my stories?” “Do I have any new messages?” “What about emails?”

…and the scrolling, don’t forget the SCROLLING. I heard recently on a podcast that the way we “swipe down” and release is very specifically designed, and mimics the same motion as playing a slot machine. Whoa… let that sink in.

I want to write more about how I’m overcoming my phone addiction in a later post but right NOW, I want to tell you that I left it on the porch so 100% of my focus could be on my little guy.

We held hands, we talked, we marveled at the crawfish mounds and tiny critters on tiny flowers… we were all the way out in the front field on our 15 acres and out of no where… the skies opened up and it started pouring.

We ran for the closest tree that had the best coverage, but were still getting soaked through the canopy. As we were watching the rain fall around and on us, I noticed some giant mushrooms. They were dinner plate sized, so spectacular. I picked one up and held it above my head like an umbrella. My son stared, allowing what I was doing to sink in, and let out the best laugh. He then grabbed one and held it above his head. Giddy with joy at these little things.

Had my phone been with me, I would’ve snapped a picture of him holding that tiny, pretend umbrella. And then? I would’ve checked social media and email. All while my munchkin would be laughing and looking from my eyes… to my phone.

I’m so incredibly thankful that I do not have a picture of him posing with a mushroom saved on a device. His laugh, wet hair, and wide eyes are forever burned in my memory.

Because I was present.

And I bet he and I will never look at mushrooms the same way again.