Process vs. Product

Our kids are process people, not product people. They love to create and then love to share what they have created.

We have two drawers in the backroom designated for craft stuff. These were stocked by Ms. Jennifer Moody, who let us have a ton scrapbook and crafting supplies when she shut down her scrapbook business. (Shout out! (Yes, I did just do a shout-out and a name drop, thank you.) )

Several mornings a week, Claire and Paul will roll out of bed and start crafting while they eat their breakfast. I never know what's going to appear. It could be a dangerous animal or a pretty picture. They love doing it, but once they are done, they usually give the craft away to someone. They don't mind because it's the doing that they love.

It's the same with baking. About once a week we bake cookies or a cake or another snack. The kids get to have a bite or two, but then they enjoy sharing our baked goods with the neighbors and other friends.

In my morning meditations today, I was thinking about how life is that way and how this trait will help them as they get older. Adults often spend long periods of time creating projects for the home or work. Sometimes we get to keep and enjoy them, but many times they are delivered elsewhere. In their school careers, they will spend hours on projects and papers that will often be graded and then discarded.

If it's only the finished product they enjoy, then they miss out on the fun of creating. In life, we only get to keep memories, and we have a hard time keeping those. I am happy that my children do not cling to material possessions and items they have created. Then they get the joy of the journey as well as the excitement of sharing it with others.