It’s a wonderful time of the year; it has always been. Many years have come and gone and I am sometimes tempted to think that the high-spiritedness, cheer and energy that once accompanied the season has consistently declined over the years. Thankfully, in my children’s view, that is not the case – they still look forward to the season with as much enthusiasm as they can muster.

My kids quickly reminded me that it was time to put up the Christmas tree this year. As has been the practice for a few years now, they would remind me on the 25th of November and would not cower until we did. I admit that I was not entirely forthcoming. I gave many excuses until the 1st of December when they all came to me insisting that the tree be put up immediately. Again, I was reluctant; explaining how too tired I was to put the tree together. They offered to do it and I grudging agreed; wondering how they’d cope without me.

I watched as they got the tree out of the box, cleaned up the various parts and assembled it. They were full of excitement and confidence; chuckling away and giggling as they embellished it with one ornament after another. In no time, they were done and a beautiful white Christmas tree emerged in all of its glory. The looks on their faces spoke of intense satisfaction and I rewarded them with thank-you’s and high-fives.

Thing is they did a darn good job!

And there I was thinking they wouldn’t be able to do it without me – talk about making assumptions. A friend of mine once advised me and a bunch of others to presume competence when dealing with persons that we think are incapable of doing one thing or another. Good thing is whether we do give them the permission to fly or not, all they really need to thrust and soar was in them all along.

Thank goodness it is not up to us!