Empty-handed & Wholehearted

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

If you're a parent who likes buying trinkets for your kids on business trips, you know there's nothing worse than pulling into the driveway at home only to realize that you forgot to get them something!

It just happened to me. And the first voice I heard? "Go back to Chicago now and grab something quick!" How crazy is that?

Since I really didn't have a choice this time, I sat in the car thinking of excuses for not bringing them another keychain, magnet or stuffed toy from the Windy City. Then it hit me. Why not try something different this time? Bring them me.

So instead of walking in with an armful of souvenirs and a headful of distracting work issues from the trip, I decided to walk in empty-handed and wholehearted. What would that be like?

I gave it a shot.

I rushed my kids before they could rush me. I started jumping on our backyard trampoline before they could ask me. I dove into their backpacks eager to learn about their days and help with their homework before they could ask me. I let them stay up a little later watching Disney Channel before they could ask me.

And a miraculous thing happened ...

Not once did they ask for a gift from Chicago. Not once did they search my pockets for a little something. Not once did they ransack my bags looking for something hidden inside.

Empty-handed and wholehearted? In our September/05 edition of FISH! Net we wrote about the benefits of bringing more of our true selves to work.

As for bringing more of my authentic, engaged, creative self to my daughters, it's going to save me a bundle and keep in wonder.

Comments

[Steve]

I am stunned that no one has yet responded to the wisest thing you have posted. But, maybe, like me, they are all embarrassed to have not realized this truth earlier.

For 2 years, I have been bringing postcards from my business travels. They are cheap, colorful, and give us a chance to talk about interesting places (and I can get them at the last minute as I rush to catch my flight).

But, you are all too right - and I am all too chagrined. When I return from my next trip - I am leaving the luggage and computer in the car and coming through the door with my arms open and my heart ready for the wonder of my wife and 4 kids.

Thanks.