My Must-have Snack

I was speaking to a group of parents who sought medical care for their young children. Some of them stayed at the Ronald McDonald house and they extolled the great support and the many activities provided at the Ronald McDonald house for kids with special needs. One lady could not stop singing the praises of that establishment, and shared how her four year old son became inspired to volunteer because of what he saw there.

As the discussion progressed, most parents agreed that the only downside to this establishment was the rules. But because of the great environment, they would be happy to give up those freedoms. The rule that presented the most difficulty in compliance was the restriction of food in rooms. One mother then confided that she sneaked diet coke into her room. As she described, it was the one joy that put everything in perspective. I understood completely.

I too have a must-have snack that put everything in perspective. It’s a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats (HBO). Every night after putting the kids to bed and cleaning up the perpetual messes, I sit down in front of the TV with a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats in steaming hot creamy whole milk. Most times, I have no idea what is on the television, and I don’t really care. I am having my me time. I am enjoying spending time in the company of me.

When I dip into that cereal, it’s like all the troubles of the world just dissipate and everything gains perspective. I am transported into a different world where there is clarity of thought and all is well. It doesn’t matter if I accomplished all I set out to do today. It doesn’t matter that the problems will be waiting for me again tomorrow. Because once I have my HBO, everything is at peace.

And then I can write my chapter.

I know I’m not the only one who has that one delight that for a brief moment puts everything in perspective. So what is you must have?