I think of you often. Of how I could encourage you, of what I could share with you. And then the kids take over, or blissful sleep engulfs me, or I sit dazed and exhausted once the kids are in bed at night, and yet another day goes by without one single word to you. I often wish I could make a commitment to write at least once a week. Wow, that would be amazing! That would mean having at least one to two hours to myself every week to sit down in peace and with a functioning brain. Te he, it doesn't happen much in my house. I bet it doesn't happen much in yours either. It's called life with a young family.
And that's okay. One thing I'm learning in my thirties is to Not Beat Myself Up.
Don't beat yourself up Mama.
Don't beat yourself up Papa.
Whatever happens, it's okay. Whatever doesn't happen, it's okay too. It's so liberating!
Mamas and Papas, it's okay if you don't get through everything you wanted to get done today. It will still be there tomorrow. But tomorrow, your child(ren) will be one day older, and one day closer to leaving home. I don't know about you,
but I'm tired of letting life steal moments of joy with my kids.
God has trusted me with two precious lives and in the great scheme of things they are in my care for a very limited time. I want to nurture them. I want to support them. I want to laugh with them. I doubt they'll remember the piles of laundry, or the dirty dishes in the sink. But I'm pretty sure they'll remember the times we played "catch" at the playground, or the times we jumped on the trampoline and laughed so hard Mummy almost "had an accident".
I'll remember standing by their bed and inhaling their scent as they sleep. I'll remember the very slow walks around the block, looking at every flower and every fallen leaf. Counting steps and chasing rainbows. I'll remember the look in their eyes when they said "Look, Mummy!", and I looked. I'll remember my sweet boy's hand on my cheek as he whispers, "Mama".
we're building personal treasure chests of memories with our kids.
We're filling their love tanks and growing unique and precious individuals.
But you know what, there are days where I just can't be bothered. There are days when I don't want to have fun with my kids. There are days when my to-do list does take over. There are days when work has to be done. There are days when Mama and Papa have to talk to each other and the children just have to wait. There are days when I yell. There are days when I cry. There are days when I worry or panick. There are days I just don't want to get out of bed and face the day.
That's okay. Tomorrow will come, and with it a new dawn and a new day of opportunities. A chance to give it my best shot, even when I stumble. Tomorrow has the potential to be the best day ever!
Let's be catchers of moments of joy with our children.
Be encouraged on your journey today. Kia Kaha! Be Strong!
PS. As a blogger, I just love comments from my readers. Do leave me a note with your thoughts and ideas. And if you think this would encourage someone you know, feel free to share it with them. Thank you!
