Taking turns on the swing

At the park there was only one free swing. Baby Mo got on first. Baby Ais stood beside it, tugging his shirt: my turn, my turn.

Umi didn't want to just force Baby Mo off — that teaches that whoever cries loudest wins. So I used counting: "Mo swings until ten, okay. We'll count together. Then it's Ais." And we counted out loud: one… two… all the way to ten.

At ten, Baby Mo climbed off on his own. Proud, even. Patience became measurable, with a clear end — instead of a vague "wait" that feels like forever to a two-year-old.

Indeed, with hardship comes ease. (Qur'an, Ash-Sharh 94:6)

Waiting your turn is a small act of worship. And it turns out, a count of ten is just the right length for a heart still learning to be patient.