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.

10 comments:

More Than Words said...

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!!

everydayMOM said...

Ahhhh... so true!

cbogie said...

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

Macey said...

What great memories and pictures!

Foursons said...

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

John and Carrie said...

Beautiful post!

Alicia The Snowflake said...

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!

Missy said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Kimberly said...

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