In the same week that I registered baby 2 out of 4 for Kindergarten, I read this in Parenting... "There are only 940 Saturdays between a child's birth and when he/she leaves for college.....If your child is 5 years old, 260 Saturdays are gone." Wow.
The article continued to discuss quality time with out children and what that means. It talks a lot about truly making an effort to spend time with our kids. Here's what I asked myself when I finished reading the article...I spend every single day with my babies...but am I present? I have four precious souls vying for my attention...am I giving it to them?
I would like to think that I am present most of the time...but here's how I knew I had some work to do. The other day, Olivia came to me with the most exciting (insert sarcasm here :-) ) conversation ever regarding her Barbies. As she was talking, I was in the middle of organizing bills and laundry and my response was a very unenthusiastic, "Yes, uh-huh....". Her response? "Mommy! Quit saying 'Yes, uh-huh!!!". Wow again. When my 3 year old knows I am only half-listening to her, it is clear to me I need to work on my response.
I've thought a lot about this short amount of time that I get them all to myself. Do I want to look back and know I did a great job with laundry? Or, am I going to wish that I had spent more time living in the moment and being truly present with these precious babies? This is just a guess, but I am fairly certain that I will not remember the loads of laundry that piled up or the clutter in the corner. What I will remember are the precious moments that only come once. The kids all playing house together, the first trip to Disney World, David telling me not to worry because he will always live with me so I don't have to ever miss him, and the innocent grin Madison gets when she talks about her first "boyfriend".
Let's be present with our children...look them in the eyes when they talk to you...what they have to say to you truly IS the most important thing that day.
Took this from one of the kids' vacation bible school CD's..."This is the day God has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Great Job, Selena! I love this. Almost 2 years ago, I became very sick and was facing the fear of cancer. After a shocking and depressing visit at the oncologists office, he told me I would have to be admitted to the hospital for more tests. I will never forget having to kiss my babies goodbye as my husband took them away and I headed to the hospital. I had no idea what would happen, no idea if that would be the last time I saw them, and then it really hit me that life is so precious and can't be taken for granted. I told myself right then and there that if everything could just be ok, I would never take anything for granted ever again. It was that day that my life truly changed for the better. I feel like I see the beauty in everything now and feel sad for those that don't see the same. I enjoy lazy days snuggling with my babies, laying in the grass with them and watching the clouds, and all the little things that were almost taken away from me. I enjoy every second I have with them, even though some moments are more trying than others! You're definitely right. Laundry, dishes, etc. can wait. I want my kids to have memories WITH me. Not memories of each other while mommy tended to other things. thanks for posting this. It was amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteoh.. and p.s. - God listened to my prayers and gave me a second chance. It turned out to be just a scare and a much needed life lesson :)
Thank you for sharing your story! I truly believe God hands us "teachable moments" from time to time in order to help us keep things in perspective. SO happy that you are healthy and able to enjoy time with your precious babies!
DeleteMy mom's favorite Psalm and one I think on often! Great first post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane! Be sure to hit follow on the page so you can receive updates! Thanks for visiting and for your comment! :-)
DeleteLove your blog...I am not really anonymous, but I have absolutely no clue how to do any of this sign in stuff...lol
ReplyDeleteenjoy every precious minute...this is why I want fairy dust to sprinkle on them...Love you..Mom
Thanks, Mom! Love you too!
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