Possibilities

When we went to the flea market on Saturday, Ali's nephew B came with us. He loves to look at stuff, and unlike most 8 year olds I know, doesn't mind a two hour car ride. He had $23 in his wallet and spent a lot of time looking for the perfect paperweight that was within his price range. He was patient and finally found one that he loved and could also afford. Persistence paid off.

However, when we got to the junk store where we found and liberated the windows in yesterday's post, he got a little confused. He just couldn't understand why we were so excited about rusty metal floor grates, doorknobs, cracked windows, old sinks and peeling fence posts. 

"This stuff is just junk. Why are we looking at it?" he asked.

"You have to learn to see things differently," I explained. "You can't think about what this thing used to be. You have to imagine what it might become."

He's a smart kid. He got thoughtful while we wandered around. A few minutes later I saw him digging in his wallet. He called me over and pointed to an old glass jar with a lid. It was dirty but still in good shape with a $2 price tag.

"If I buy this, will you help me turn it into a terrarium?"

You betcha kiddo.

Just a gentle reminder of the possibilities for the future without the burdens of the past.