Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Moments that Matter

I spent much of last week looking forward to the weekend because I was going to watch the football game and then go out on a date with my husband. We don't get out all that often without the kids. I thought we were going to have a wonderful time. As the week wore on, my daughter seemed to be getting sick. By the time Friday arrived, I knew that I couldn't leave her with a babysitter. She had a miserable cold. She felt crummy. I cancelled our babysiter on Friday night and then proceeded to pout. I was in a bad mood. I told my husband that I didn't care what we had for dinner but I didn't want to cook. My husband ordered pizza. I didn't do much of anything that night.

The next morning I woke up with a different attitude. I had soccer games to go to and a football team to cheer on. I was determined to make the best of everything- even if my sons' teams lost their games (they did), even if my daughter felt bad (she did), and even if I had to console my husband when his football team lost (I did). I was determined to enjoy myself.

I enjoyed the weekend and my family.

I came away from the weekend thinking about all of the little moments of love. When I don't have the right attitude or I fail to slow down, I miss moments with those I love. I'm often too busy thinking about the next thing to enjoy the current moment. I missed out on some laughter with my kids Friday night because my irritability left me wanting to be alone.

I'd still like to go out on a date soon. I will before too long. My missed date doesn't matter that much. Weeks from now, I won't recall how I missed going on a date.

I will remember my 8 year old holding my hand at the pumpkin patch.

I might remember the double high fives I got from my 6 year old when he scored a goal.


I will smile at the picture of me tickling my kids.

I will reminisce about snuggling up with my daughter to watch her first princess movie.


The moments that matter fill my heart with joy. I never want to be too full of myself or too busy to enjoy the little moments.

I want to make time for moments that matter. I need to plan some of these moments. I also just need to pay attention so I don't miss them.
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10 comments:

  1. More Than Words10/27/2009 3:33 PM

    This was a very sweet post.

    I love how you "chose" to enjoy the weekend instead of grumble and complain.

    Great example you've shown!!

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  2. everydayMOM10/27/2009 4:15 PM

    Ahhhh... so true!

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  3. cbogie10/27/2009 4:22 PM

    I hear you loud and clear on this one, JA! Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Macey10/27/2009 4:50 PM

    What great memories and pictures!

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  5. Foursons10/27/2009 4:51 PM

    Love your perspective. It's great to see/hear/read about these reminders.

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  6. John and Carrie10/27/2009 4:56 PM

    Beautiful post!

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  7. Alicia The Snowflake10/27/2009 5:06 PM

    Amen! I have been thinking about this very thing alot lately. I want to make more time for enjoying life and less time for running. Thank you for the great reminder that it is a choice. Take care my friend!

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  8. Missy10/28/2009 12:16 AM

    I really needed this reminder as we are going on 2 weeks being "stuck" at home with illnesses. We are all going stir crazy (mainly me, since I am the only healthy one.) I should in fact be cherishing the extra time that I get to spend with my kids when we are all forced to slow down.

    Thanks JA! As always, you are an inspiration.

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  9. Anonymous10/28/2009 11:13 AM

    I really needed to be reminded of that today, JA :) Thank you so much! My boys will thank you, too, as I give them my undivided attention this afternoon and focus on "them" and not the next thing I need to be doing! What I find myself doing so much more than I'd like--:(

    Smiles to you :)

    ~Maggie

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  10. Kimberly10/28/2009 4:55 PM

    Love the picture of you tickling your kiddo's! Also love the bare tosies!!! Cute!!!

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