carrying too much at once

 I've been thinking about this very literally. And it sounds like an allegory. 

There have been multiple times where I've gotten frustrated by my boys wanting to carry it all in one trip. They pile the things on, grip more things between fingers, balance things on their heads, put things in their mouths. "Just come back for the rest!" is met with "No, I've got it!"

Nine out of ten times they do not got it. Something falls and fingers crossed it's not breakable. 

All that work and stress (for me) and we usually end up with more than one trip anyway! Or I'm trailing behind to pick up the pieces. 

Where did they get such an annoying habit?

Well, from me of course. 

I do this all the time. What could easily be two loads, I make into one not so easy load. The effort it takes to arrange one trip seems worth not making two. 

But lately when I find myself thinking this way I've been able to pause and realize it. Then I choose to make multiple trips. Maybe because I'm older and no longer have the energy or confidence to carry a heavy load. Maybe I have more time these days to go slower and be intentional rather than being propelled by a false sense of urgency. Whatever the difference, I'm making more trips. And it helps me to be more intentional, more in the moment, and more aware of where I am and what I'm doing.

Did you see the viral video of 3 year old Sterling at the Suns basketball game? This kid is so freaking cute. The best part for me is how into eating his popcorn he is. One piece at a time. He picks a piece. He pinches the piece between tiny little fingers. He watches the piece until it's in his mouth. He chews and looks for his next piece. 

The last time I ate popcorn? Fistfuls of popped kernels haphazardly stuffed into my face hole. If I lose a few to my chest or the floor, oh well. There's plenty more where that came from. Way less adorable on the jumbotron. Somewhat disturbing really. 

Anyway, just something I was thinking about today. 

Make more trips. Don't carry too much at once. Be mindful of the weight of the load you're carrying.