Ah, the narcissism of youth

Walking down to the river, we encountered two girls dipping their bare feet into the river. They had ridden their bicycles to the location. The bikes were sprawled across the walking path, so much so that we had to step off the path to get around them. It was obvious that the girls didn't consider the obstacles they created for walkers. I don't think that they purposely laid their bikes down to create obstacles; it just wasn't part of their consideration.

When do we start thinking about others? Is it that we wake up one day and decide we are going to care? Or is it a slow realization that we are not alone in this world and what we do matters in the lives of others?

I know for myself that it has been a process of learning to think about others, and not consider what I need as much. I also believe that at least one mark of maturity in the process of maturing is that the more we do it, the more we realize that the world isn't here to serve us.

While I get nervous with those people who don't appear to act at all in their own self interest, I am more nervous with those adults who don't consider other's needs when making their decisions.

But as a kid, you are not expected to be mature. In fact there is very little that the world expects from them. So when I encounter the bikes, I step around with a smile and think to myself, “Don't rush it. There will be time enough to be mature when you grow up. Splash in the water and enjoy yourself. I will be responsible to consider your needs and your age.”