Scoop’in Frogs

Well, I had a new experience this week. Something I’ve never done before. What was it you ask? For the first time ever (and maybe last) I scooped dead frogs, eight to be exact, out of my daughter’s pool. Now, I’ve had the reputation as “the teacher who loves frogs” and it is true, I loved to decorate with frogs, but touching them?….that’s another story….AND a fact I never let the kids know. So, to see motionless frogs with their little arms stretched out, floating on the clear pool water was just a little disconcerting for me. Wanting to be a helpful mother however, I ignored my squeamish stomach, bravely grasped the pool net, scooped those bloated, gelatinous amphibians out of the water and launched them over the fence where they plopped right onto their final resting place. I’m sure that wasn’t the plan they had when they jumped into the cool, evening water.

I don’t know what caused the demise of those poor frogs. Chlorine maybe or smothering under the solar cover. Whatever it was wouldn’t have happened though if they hadn’t been somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. How like us humans is that? We see something we want and ignoring the consequences we dive right in after it. Food? Relationships? Spending? The list goes on and on and it’s different for all of us. We’ve all been there. We want what we want. Just like bugs to a light or frogs to a pool, we leap in head first after the bright and shiny, rich and juicy, attractive and available ignoring common sense or the voice of reason setting off alarms in our heads. At that split second before impact we sometimes realize things might not be as they seemed, but it’s too late. Splash! We are in over our heads.

I’m also curious why the frogs wandered to the swimming pool in the first place when there is a beautiful stream flowing nearby. Were they misguided by the notion that what they had wasn’t good enough or did they blindly follow the frog crowd? Whatever the reason they’d been better off staying where they belonged. We too, often overlook our blessings and presume that we deserve more. Listening to popular culture we are led to believe there is a better way than our way. I have fallen for these mistruths more times than I’d like to admit. For example, while focusing on what I wish to weigh I have forgotten to be thankful for the food I have. When worrying about whether my clothing is in style or the right brand I lack gratitude for my full closet. And so on and so on. Wanting more leads to wanting more until we can become so weighted down with our wants that we sink in despair. It is a lesson I need to take to heart and wish I could have learned sooner!

As fall quickly approaches I am challenging myself to not wait until November but to have an attitude of Thanksgiving NOW! I am going to purposely look for blessings in everyday things. I want to express gratitude to those who are “hopping” along this journey with me. I want to embrace who I am and where I belong.

Scoop’in frogs again isn’t in my future anytime soon but I am going to try to scoop up blessings until my net overflows. What about you? Have you thought about having an “attitude of gratitude”? Now’s the time! Jump on in the water is fine! (if you’re not a frog that is)