Yesterday afternoon my 4-year-old daughter, Mikayla and I went on our first picnic of the season. Our local library and children’s park has a nice area out in front designed for just such an occasion. We live in northwest Florida, and it is starting to warm up enough to get out and really enjoy ourselves. It is still cool in the shade and warm in the sun. We opted for a sunny bench overlooking the putting green to eat our lunch from Wendy’s.

Afterwards, we walked over to the children’s park so Mikayla could slide and ride, eventually making our way around to the ever popular sandbox. After a few minutes there were four other little girls who had joined in the sandcastle-making fun while I watched from my comfy spot on one of the swings provided for us old farts. As I glanced around at the parents, I tried to work on a spiritual lesson I am struggling with right now. Instead of looking at people and mentally judging them on the spot as too fat, too this or too that, I attempt to be like a mirror and simply reflect what I see. Try it sometime, it is NOT easy! I guess we are just so conditioned to judge others, but it something I am trying to train myself not to do.

Finally, we made our way to the library where Mikayla got on the computer to play some learning games while I searched for books and videos she might like to check out. She loves having me read stories to her and I want to keep that love alive.

All in all, it was a wonderful almost spring afternoon.