Simplicity

Before I had my kids, I always promised myself (and swore, to anyone who would listen) that I would never be "that mom".  You know the mom I'm talking about.  We've all seen her.  She is constantly shuffling the kids to school, soccer practice, karate lessons, piano lessons, swim team... the list can go on and on.  Juice boxes and trail mix can be found in her purse, along with any forgotten permission slips, and some toys or crayons for 'just in case'.  I would always shake my head in wonder, and think to myself "just simplify, lady.  You DON'T have to be involved in EVERYTHING!"

And then, it happened.  Reality.  You know how it has a habit of crashing in suddenly?  It was like I suddenly woke up - and bam!  I was at karate practice watching DS1 go through his program, snapping pictures of him with one hand and doling out snacks, a juice box, and miniature super heroes to DS2.  I was that Mom.  I quickly flipped through my iPod's planner app and yes, there was evidence to support this theory.  Right there on the tiny, fingerprint covered screen, it said "Swim Lessons - Tues. & Thurs.; Karate - Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri., Playgroup - Wed.; Swim date - Mon.; Playdate - Fri.; REPEATS WEEKLY"

Wow.  I mean, I know that as a stay-at-home mom I spend my entire day with my kids.  We're always together.  But how much time am I actually spending engaged with them?  Usually I feel like I'm just trying to keep them from getting into trouble, or to clean up whatever it is that they have just destroyed.  Today, I decided to put forward a real effort to engage with my boys - to really listen to what it is they have to say, and I asked God to give me a tender heart for my children.  God answers prayers, in a big way - we had an amazing day!  Despite an early doctor's appointment, we really enjoyed swimming and having lunch with our friends, and then spending the entire evening playing board games together. 

I wanted to encourage you to make an effort tomorrow, if this is an area where you struggle at times, to turn off the TV, shut down the computer, silence your cell phone and say "yes" to your kids!  I know life is hectic and there are things that need to be done, but our children are only this small for such a short time, we need to make sure that we make the most of it!!