Life is a gift. This morning as I was running, our conversation reminded me of how much I take each day for granted. I just plan tomorrow knowing it will come, but it doesn’t for everyone. Life can change in an instant and I’m grateful for the second chances we get — even the smallest ones.
Last Christmas, my daughter requested accessories for her doll. I was torn because she’s getting older and I didn’t see her playing with her doll as much, but she persisted. I learned long ago, that if I asked for a Christmas list from my kids, I am only asking for trouble if I decide to create my own idea of what they want so I went with. Christmas came and she was thrilled. She ran up to her room and began setting up right about the same time I began to feel like I was going to pass out from exhaustion. “Yes!” I thought. “She is happily playing and so are the boys. I am taking a nap!” Of course within seconds she was in my room asking for a playmate. Remember, we have no sisters or cousins her age to join in the fun so I was it. I begged to wait for just a few minutes with promises of to play “in just a little bit.” Well, one thing led to another and the day ended without me joining her fun. By the time I woke up she had moved on and we simply had changed directions.
Well, fast-forward several months and I still had not created the space to join in her playful world of dolls. Occasionally, the thought would enter my mind and she would ask at random, but never made a big fuss about it and it got lost in the shuffle. Then one day this summer, July 10, to be exact I walked into her room and found her quietly playing. In that moment I realized a few things.
- She had stopped asking me to join her.
- Quietly and independently she had moved on without me.
- I had a choice.
That afternoon, I did stop to play, and it felt really good; warm and fuzzy delicious kind of good. I was grateful for a second chance to connect and express my love in this small moment of time.
Moments are fleeting, and if we move too fast we miss the simple ones that bind our hearts together.
Every day we wake up it’s a second chance to try again and strengthen the relationships in our lives. Open your eyes and hearts today and create space for the simple moments. The dishes, to-do lists, and endless list of errands can wait. I promise they will be there tomorrow. So consider, who or what you will ask to wait today.
I can guide you as you lead your family through conflict and uncertainty. I will help you find joy in an imperfect and messy life.
I thought this was a tender reminder of what’s important. Thanks for writing and sharing. It’s beautiful.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it–you’re a great support!
This is indeed a good reminder for us all. Things we take for granted . We just live in a Society that have lost the sense of value. Thanks once more.
Thank you for reading and for your comment. You are right, it is so easy to take things for granted.
Lovely post! And so very true. I am not a mother, but I have been learning more and more how important it is to value ALL the relationships in my life. My family, my boyfriend, my friends; relationships are so precious, and it’s easy to push them aside for things we think we must do /now/. Thanks for sharing this post. I appreciated it. (:
It is great to meet you. I am taking the Intentional Bloggers course and saw your post on Facebook. I agree wholeheartedly. Living in the moment. Watching to make sure we don’t miss those moments with our family members. You look so wonderful playing with your daughter.
Blessings,
Janis