The other day, our neighbor down the street was helping our neighbor next door shred branches that had fallen in the wind. And they were cutting up some other brush. Even suburban houses have seeds that turn into unwanted trees, and old trees that shed branches in the wind. 

Ben’s three. Ben likes to help. Ben likes machines. 

So we went next door. There were branches in several places that needed to go to the shredder. So I asked Ben to help me. I picked up a big branch. He grabbed one end while I carried the whole weight. We took it to the pile.  

I tell him he’s helping. I’m grateful. 

In the pile of branches there were small branches, too. The kind that Ben is strong enough to pull by himself. I suggested Ben grab one and drag it to the shred pile. He did. By himself. 

I said to his mom, “If he’s moving a branch that needs to be moved, that’s actually helping.” She agreed. 

Ben moved several Ben-sized branches. I moved several Grandpa Jon-sized branches. 

And then the noise was too much and he headed to other things. 

+++

There is, I think, a lesson here about learning. And about adjusting expectations. Others might turn this into a sermon about working with God. Or some other lesson about kids. 

I’m not sure this is a lesson about Ben, however. 

It’s probably a lesson about me learning how to help Ben rather than about teaching Ben how to help. 

And it may be just a story about a moment and an opportunity to remember smiling. 

I hope that you and I can find some time during this summer to smile. And to not always be looking for lessons and meaning.