We were in the car at the end of a long day running errands.  We were also running a little late to get meet my husband for the dinner, and everyone was ready to see daddy!  We had one more stop, and as I slowed down at a cross walk, my almost 5 year old asked me from the back seat: “Mama, do you know her?”.  I said “No”, but immediately realized what he was asking. She had waved to me as she crossed in front of me.

In that moment, I had a regular quick mom debate. Do I just leave it at that, or do I use it as a teachable moment? Friends, if you aren’t parents yet (or if you have a lot more patience and grace than me!! :)), you might think it is a no brainer- of course, explain what is going on! But at the end of long days with lots of talking with toddlers and lots of questions, sometimes just not answering is easier. And sometimes, though I hate to admit it, it is the choice I make. But not this time.

“She’s waving because I stopped to let her go in front of me. It is always good for cars to stop so people can cross the road as quickly and easily as possible, and as the person walking, giving a little smile and a wave to the person who stopped for you tells is the polite thing to do. It’s like saying “Thank you!” without them being able to hear you.”.

And that was it. A few minutes later, we go tot our next stop and I parked the car. I got both kids out, and holding one in my arms and the band of my big boy, we went to cross the road.  A car pulled up as we were crossing, and my little man, my almost 5 year old man slowed down, smiled, and waved at that car.  And then we kept walking. Just like it was habit.  It made me stop in my tracks and think about that moment- and how I almost chose a moment of silence and rest instead of teaching in that moment. He likely would have learned that another time- sure. It probably didn’t make a lasting impact on my kid’s lives. But using those moments in and out of every day to teach, even when I’m tired or cranky or it would be easier to just not? I’m pretty sure those moments add up.  As always- the little things are the big things! 🙂

(this picture is an oldie but a goodie!)