When my grandchildren were just toddlers I remember we bought them a large toy set. It was quite elaborate and arrived in a huge cardboard box. It was very expensive but we figured, if it brings joy to our grands, it’s worth it, right?
The kids excitedly pried the immense box open, saw the toy set, played with it for about ten minutes, and then got bored. However, they went back to the big empty box, crawled inside, and made a fort out of it. They played in that box for days while the toy set sat unused.
I couldn’t help thinking there was a lesson to be learned here. The simplest things in life are still the things that bring us the most joy. A good friend, a big hug, being among those you love and who love you back. Material stuff only brings temporary joy.
I also learned that if you want to entertain toddlers, just get them a big, empty box.