Compare/Contrast

Last night two of my children, ages 15 and 9, were discussing the books they were reading.  Earlier in the week, the nine year old brought home an assigned book from school that contains more pages and chapters than she has read in the past.  The discussion between these two soon became a competition (typical of my children) over whose book was more difficult.  The 9 year old was certain her book was harder because "there are 46 chapters."  The 15 year old replied, "Yeah, but your chapters are shorter.  How many pages do you have?" 

As my nine year old was trying to prove her point, I interjected.  "Abby, you can't compare yourself to Austin. He's six years older."  She answered with, "Well, I can contrast."  "Oh, yes.  You can certainly do that."

As an English major, I was proud of Abby for making that connection to school.  She's learned how to apply reading comprehension to her everyday life.  But as I was thinking about this statement later, I thought that was such a good point that Abby made.  How often do we try to compare ourselves to those around us?  I know I do this more than I should.  I'll fall into comparing my mothering skills, career, or my children's behavior and how that reflects on me.  How different would I perceive things in my life if I concentrated on the contrast?

No matter what, I am going to be different from everyone around me.  The experiences in my life add to what makes me unique.  I should be content with that fact and celebrate those differences, instead of wondering how I measure up to others around me. 

Did you not know...

I can still amaze my children.  This is a big deal to me.  I rue the day I'm no longer a superstar in their eyes.  It's already becoming that way with my teenagers, but my younger ones still have times when they're wowed by me.

One night I was helping my youngest get ready for bed.  He started Kindergarten last month, and he is learning so quickly.  This was our conversation:

"Mommy, do you know how many months there are?"
"Yes, I do.  Did you learn that at school today?"
"Yes.  Mommy, tell me how many months there are."
"Twelve."
He gives me a big smile.
"Mommy, do you know how many days of the week there are?"
"Yes, there are seven."
"Oh, man!  You know everything!"

He had such a look of awe on his face because I knew the answers to his questions.  The first year of school all of my children have learned rapidly.  I look forward to hearing about new discoveries.  I relish the way their face lights up with fresh knowledge. 

I still need to do that myself.  I should continually be learning, and enjoy the process along the way.  I want to read more and explore interesting ideas.

At least once a week, this little five year-old will start a sentence with, "Mommy, did you not know..." and then proceed to tell me what new fact he's learned.

What fascinating information have you recently discovered that could finish that sentence?