I never imagined life with a four-year-old — my four-year-old, no less — would be so interesting. She’s full of ideas about everything, and the latest in our “games” is “When I Grow Up.” She’s very kind — and far-sighted, I suppose — to include us in this.

Oh, you haven’t played? Well, here’s how it works this week (because, like many things in life, it changes): First, she announces that we’re playing “Grown Up,” and she goes first. Then she shares one of the things she’s going to be when she grows up. Then it’s my turn. Then it’s daddy’s turn. Then it’s her turn. This can go on for two or three rounds before it changes into knock-knock jokes or stories. But we always come back to it. She’s very interested in sharing her intentions for when she grows up.

I’m getting better at this game, but I don’t hold a candle to her. There’s no limit to what she can do with her life, and she knows it.

Why do I put limits on myself and on others? Why do I start from what’s in the glass instead of looking at how much the glass could hold if it was filled and emptied, filled and emptied? And just where does Mary come into all this?

Well, for that, you’ll have to go read my column on Mary, the New Eve, over at Today’s Catholic Woman.