The Simple Things.

Today is my favorite son's 14th Birthday. I only have one son, but that makes him no less a favorite in my book!

Last night I was performing my very last 13-year-old tuck-in and was feeling especially sappy and generous. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner. Every restaurant in a 20 mile radius was offered to him plus a plethora of his favorite meals, including barbecued hamburgers. Such a meal would be a true sacrifice of love considering our chilly and wet weather today. After entertaining all the options, he chose to have a mexican fiesta a la Suzanne of Bakersfield! Yay!

As soon as I hopped out of bed this morning, I began my shopping list: Fresh corn tortillas to fry into shells (no taco shells from the box would do for my fella!), lean beef, all the makings for authentic mexican rice and beans, plus every accompaniment I could come up with. The task looked daunting, but I was determined to do this for my boy.

Within minutes of my awakening, the Birthday Boy was at my side.

"Mom?"

"Yes, my favorite son, Birthday Boy, computer wizard, incredi-geek, love bear; what can I do for you"

::favorite son rolls eyes, sighs and smiles::

"Is it too late to change my dinner request?"

"It is never too late, babe. Would you rather have barbecue? Go out to eat? You name it!"

"Well.....I know this sounds weird.....I'd really like to have hamburger helper."

"Huh?"

"Yeah. I woke up and the first thing I thought of was hamburger helper. Could we have that for dinner?"

::doting mom rolls eyes, sighs and smiles::

"Absolutely."

"Thanks, Mom."

I just love that kid!

Wouldn't it be great if we all could learn that lesson? Instead of letting others influence us about what would bring us joy, what if we took the time to ask ourselves what we really want? I suspect we'd be surprised at how little it really takes to bring contentment.