What I Saw Today at the Pool

So I’m watching this guy teach his little boy how to swim on his back.

Dad knows how it’s done. I know this because I can hear him from across the pool explain the process in clear, simple soundbites: “Kick your legs up and down.” Boy kicks like a frog. “No not like that, up and down. Now keep your face out of the water.” Boy swallows enough pool water to fill his tiny bladder, sputters, spits and coughs. “That’s why you keep your face out of the water. Don’t let you butt sink.” Boy let’s his butt sink. “I said, ‘DON’T let your butt sink.’” And so goes the lesson.

Boy looks to be about four and his attention span is also about a four. I know this because he swims like a madman for about four second and then bobs up and down like a fishing float and splashes water into his dad’s face, all the while laughing like the Joker. The kid must be insane.

Dad is a patient man. I know this because he continues the lesson in spite of the son’s lack of skill and interest; and he never raises his voice. Dad is also a gentle man. I know this because no matter how much water his son splashes in his face, he doesn’t splash back; even though it’s tempting. Dad is a wise man. I know this because he stopped the lesson before the meltdown; and gave him to mom.

Funny how things like this make me think. I’m a middle aged man, but sometimes when my Heavenly Father teaches me a lesson I’m still four.