The window at the Pool

        The day began like any other day.  Our week long vacation was rapidly coming to a close.  We felt like we always do at the end of a vacation…excited to go home, sad to leave.  Over waffles and hot chocolate in the hotel dining room, we planned how we would squeeze every last ounce of fun out of our time left before piling in the car for the five hour drive home. 

            It was decided that my husband would take our three young daughters for a final escapade in the pool while I took advantage of the treadmill in the workout room.  Long hours of driving in the car had taken it’s toll and my body was screaming out for some physical activity.  We parted ways and I headed out past the pool to the workout room while everyone else went upstairs to change.

             My workout began like any other workout.  I stepped on the treadmill, pushed a bunch of  buttons and began walking as the machine purred to life.  The treadmill I had chosen faced a wall sized window overlooking the swimming pool.  I was delighted to know that although I was not getting in the pool, I would be able to take part in the morning swim by watching my family enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.  Little did I know, at that moment, that Heavenly Father was going to allow me a glimpse into something I hope I will never forget.

            Five minutes passed and through the window I saw a cute little family, my family, emerge from the lobby.  My husband, followed by three bouncy, giggly girls, made their way to the pool’s edge.  Towels, shoes, and clothing flew every which way as the girls excitedly prepared to jump in the water.  I was immediately delighted by the extreme joy this moment was providing them with.  I quickly discovered the  advantage of this great opportunity.  Normally I would be taking part in the scene before me, rapidly following behind them, gathering up clothes and shoes and quite honestly, being somewhat annoyed by all the commotion!  However, in this moment I was given a gift.  I saw this family in a different light, from the outside looking in.  Much like the way I imagine our Heavenly Father observes our daily lives, I began to be immersed by the many events unfolding through the giant window which had suddenly become somewhat of a movie screen.  As my feet pounded out a rhythm on the rotating belt beneath them, I watched.

            I noticed at first how happy everyone was.  I saw them enjoying each other, splashing, laughing, and playing together.  I thought about the craziness of the morning and how any hint of stress from preparing for the day had dissolved.  I thought about all the times I had allowed myself to be discouraged by the inevitable petty arguments that arise between siblings and family members in a home.   I often felt uneasy and uncertain about my ability to teach my own children to love each other and get along, pleading with My Heavenly Father to help me succeed.  As I watched, I saw people who were happy together, who did know how to work together and get along.  And they were doing it beautifully!  I realized that being in the middle of things all the time can sometimes keep us from seeing things as they really are.  I realized I wasn’t failing to teach them to love each other and work together, I just failed to notice that they could.

            I saw my husband playing with each girl, picking them up, throwing them into the air, and catching them each time.  I saw how they flocked to him, craving his attention, loving to be with him.  I thought about all the reasons I, 13 years earlier, had felt that same way towards him…craving his attention, and loving more than anything to be with him.  I thought about how much I still feel that way and how grateful I am that love can grow so much over time.

            I watched each girl enjoying the time in their own ways.  One, jumping off the side of the pool over and over again into daddy’s arms.  I thought about all the big “jumps” she would make throughout her life and how I hoped more than anything that she would grow to know that Heavenly Father,  would always be there to catch her with each leap.  I knew in this moment that with each jump, she was learning to trust.  And by being part of a family, she would have a sound environment to learn this truth.

            Another daughter sought to perfect a swimming skill she had learned in previous swimming lesson.  I saw how the encouragement she received from her family members drove her to keep trying and working at it.  I thought about all the times in her life that she would face something difficult and how I hoped the support and encouragement from family would keep her trying and working. 

             Then I watched as our third daughter came up from the water sputtering and coughing.  She had been accidentally bumped and had fallen back into the water unprepared.  Upset and angry, she made her way out of the pool and threw herself into a chair.  Now this was something I recognized!  However, I watched as immediately the dynamic changed and everyone quickly noticed she was missing.  I watched as each person stopped what they were doing and lovingly encouraged her to join them once again.  I thought about her future as well, thinking about all the times we get hurt and feel like giving up.  As she eventually responded to their requests and jumped back in, I thought about how much love plays a part in family relationships and how I hoped we would always notice when someone is taking themselves out of the game, and lovingly bring them back in.

            As I continued to observe this incredible scene , I realized something….Family is EVERYTHING.  Family is the golden ticket to our ability to learn, understand, live and grow!  Every seemingly small effort we put into building a strong family is worth it, because of how much family life impacts each personal life. I thought of a scripture I loved  “And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” (1 Nephi 16:29)  Looking beyond all the judgments I make about my abilities as a parent to create a “perfect” family, I saw exactly how looking at the big picture…can change everything.   Although there will always be challenges that arise, there is nothing more important, and it is worth every effort on my part to strengthen and build that family unit.

            As quickly as it had all began, my little movie drew to a close.  As I turned off the treadmill and watched my family gather their things, I felt a renewed determination to keep going…keep doing all the little things that I sometimes worry won’t make a difference.  Keep pushing through when things appear to be going wrong, or when that ideal family picture seems so far beyond my grasp.  I knew that just as Heavenly Father had allowed me this little glimpse of the big picture, He would be there to show me the way.  I am so grateful to know that He loves us and He loves our families, and will always be there to show us what we need to know to keep working towards an eternal family…even if it is through the window at the pool!