Inspiring Calculations

An insightful and yet somewhat troubling discussion was had around the lunch table this fine day. Sarah was enjoying herself at a bridal shower (congrats to Michelle and Justin!) and the four kids and I were munching away at various goodies. (Yes, my children understand my propensity to answer 'yeah, sure' when asked about including different food items outside the norm...popcorn, canned fruit, etc).

Then the question came. We were anticipating the celebration that we were to attend that very afternoon. Five youth from our church were graduating from high school and for the first time in quite a while (and a first for the kids), we were going to be there to experience it. As we discussed the responsible step that these young ladies and man were taking, the children quickly gathered that they too would someday have the same privilege, Lord willing. And then somebody who had math on their mind asked the obvious "how long until I get to...?"

Luckily, I believe it was Celia and so we started there. Twelve years. Sounds safe. William? Let's say seventeen. But as we moved the other direction, reality started settling in a bit. Nine years for Priscilla and seven years for Jace, perhaps? That is starting to get a bit closer. But schooling at Pilgrim's Ford Academy is like a well-oiled machine, right? Well, I guess the next seven years plus will show us whether that is true or not. But the discussion didn't stop there.

On the way home, math was still on somebody's mind, for the calculations turned to marriage and starting families. We have created the habit of solving simple math problems with 'real life' examples. Like, when Priscilla is eighteen (and supposedly graduating from high school), how old will you (Celia) be? And yes, there are answers for these questions. And yes, they know them. And yes, they can come up with more. So they quickly figured out how many nieces and nephews will be there for little William's graduation!

But it is the numbers attached to me that brought some unique motivation. When William graduates from high school, I will be 57 years old! I have been thinking the last week or so about getting back into a more consistent pattern of exercising. That short discussion in the van alone served as inspiration aplenty for just that purpose. And then there will be weddings and grandchildren after that!!!

See you in the exercise room bright, early and often...