My life just seems to keep moving along at a constant speed of fast-forward lately. Where has the time gone? Wasn't I just changing diapers yesterday? But, as I slowly allow myself to creep ahead, I also have decided to take this time to look back on the past. That is, my past twelve years of me being a parent. That special gift God gave me of being Mom.
So many times I catch myself looking back at the "what-I-should-have's".. or the "why-didn't-I's" of the past. (Most often these occur in the middle of the night when I can't fall back asleep!) Too often I find that I can get caught in the negatives and wrong doings I have made. But, what I really should be doing is rejoicing in the positives! All of those accomplishments. The important milestones and wonderful achievements. All the mini-loving life lessons that I have nurtured in each of my three children. Yes. I am a good parent and darn it, I deserve to give myself some credit!
So after all this time, this is what I have learned (SO far). This is what I think is important. This is what I think will matter most!
1. GFF.
Nope, not BFF (best friends forever), GFF. It stands for God, family, friends. I had once heard this term and it really hit home. So I have tried to instill this in the "everyday living and thinking" of our kids. The order of priority, before anything else, is God first. After that, our family comes next and finally friends. Without God first, the other two would not even exist.
"Weave in faith and God will find the thread." ~Author Unknown
Growing up, a chid may not remember what gifts they received for each birthday. What creates those memories are the feelings of "mattering" and being recognized on the day your precious self arrived on this Earth. God's special miracle was created and we should celebrate that, if nothing else. So pull out that cake mix and light up the candles. You are very worth celebrating!
"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." ~Dr. Seuss
3. Be a Nature Nut!
Even before our kids could walk on their own two feet they were introduced to the idea of nature. Whether it be a simple stroll around the block in the stroller on a fall day, or a random hike through the woods to look for snakes, it was a natural rhythm for them. I used to express to the kids that we were "nature nuts" and had always hoped to create t-shirts fashioned with the title. Well, I haven't quite gotten around to that yet. But, our nature nutty-ness is still alive and active...even after all these years.
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."
~Kahlil Gibran
4. Travel, travel, travel!
I will always remember my mom telling me what her dad would always say to her, "Travel. See as much as this world, that God created, as you can." Well, you don't have to twist my arm twice! I was born with the travel bug. It doesn't matter where or how I get there. It is just the pleasure of seeing a new sight, that is important to me . As a family we try to go somewhere, anywhere, every year. My thinking is that those sights, sounds, smells and tastes will weave a special spot in each of our kids souls and enliven their own travel bugs when they get out in the real world. Whether is be a well-thought out adventure or an impromptou Sunday drive, the idea is... just GO!
" For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move." – Robert Louis Stevenson
5. Easy does it!
The point that I have STILL not fully gotten myself, is to not take life SO seriously.This is a hard one for me, but I am always working on improving myself...step by step, day by day. I guess, since I tend to take MY life so seriously, I tend to find that I expect that in my kids. Well, I really do see that there is value in the craziness..the sillyness...the down-right quirky events that shape each of us as God's special children. After all, none of us will ever be perfect. So, I need to take it easy on myself and in my children.
"Some days are simply meant for playing."
- Mary Anne Radmacher
6. Be happy.
Ever since my kids were little, I had only one simple rule for them to aquire, and that is to be happy. My thought is that if a person is truly happy, then anything in life will be possible. The right job will come your way. The right friends, spouse, life, will "correctly" form all around you. How many people in this world are truly happy? Sure, good grades and a well-mannered child is important, but, a happy child is most essential for me.
Smile.
Today would be a wonderful day not to take life so seriously.
Today may end up the way you prefer - and it may not.
Happiness is not about being a winner -
it's about being gentle with life -
being gentle with yourself.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for leaving your comment!