Challenge

Obstacle Race, Dornoch Highland Gathering 2007. Photo by John Haslam.

I watched a little girl mount the side of a shopping cart and ride, cheering like a rodeo cowgirl. Later, she clambered beneath the basket onto the frame. Eventually she uncurled, emerged, and hopped past the checkout, touching only the grey squares.

Unencumbered by a shopping list, coupons, the plans of the day, she goes. She skips, and skips backwards. She pushes herself, discovering the novel while I act bound to the ordinary.

I want to be a solid grown-up, but to achieve that, do I need to be a better kid? How might I see the day's challenges and revel in them?