On a Saturday morning recently, I was with my kids at the park. Two of them were attending a low-key soccer clinic for beginners. My son REALLY didn’t want to participate.

After several deep breaths and a small pile of encouragement, he made it on the pitch for the session.

I wonder what the tree heard…?

I hope the tree heard positive, supportive words and gentle nudging; but maybe not entirely so.

Being a parent is tough in myriad ways. Knowing what to say in such moments, to get the desired or intended result is difficult sometimes.

I might have used a more stern, forceful tone, a bit. I tried to stay in measured and serious, but also supportive. Whatever, he made it through his anxiousness to the other side. That’s what mattered. Helping my son to the other side of anxious to accomplishment.

I hope the tree heard love.