seven things children can remind us about life

creativity matters
If I had my way I’d keep all the Lego sets that we own in their appropriate boxes, with the instructions, and kept together the way the designers intended. My boys have decided that it is awesome to keep the sets this way – for about a week – and then after that they enter the large under-the-bed pull out drawer full of legos. And that is okay, in fact, that is good. They are creative people, not defined by simple instructions, and spend hours and hours creating new visions based off of pieces from different visions. Creativity matters – encourage it in your own life. Look for connections that aren’t obvious, don’t be afraid of a mess, and continually push yourself to embrace those creative moments in life. Often it is in slowing down and seeing the world through a lens that lets go of defined parameters and simply enjoying and embracing the moment.

always tell those you love you love them
The other day I was hurrying around the kitchen trying to find something to make for dinner for a very hungry family. I know, I know, I should plan my meals or get an app or work ahead, but I’m a really spontaneous person and so often when I do plan ahead like that I’m not in the mood to make those options for dinner. So I pay for it often at five pm. Anyways, I was crabby as I raced around and rather short with the kids. And the whole time my precocious Elijah kept saying Mom Mom Mom Mom. Finally, with exasperation in my voice I asked him what now, Elijah? Dinner is coming! And he looked at me and told me I love you, Mom. Simple words. He loved me right in the midst of me being crabby and exasperated and annoyed. Find time to tell those in your life that you love that you love them and that they matter to you. You never know the impact your words may have. So, when you’re done reading, take a minute and email someone dear to you and tell them you love them. Words matter.

try, try, try again
Elijah has this Angry Birds set that he plays with every single day. He’ll get up in the morning, pull out the blocks, build a set, knock it over, and try again. He’ll do this over and over and over. I’ve observed him change his building habits – from simple structures to these complicated towers – and that’s from continually trying. I’ve sat with my kids at the piano and pushed them to keep trying, to keep practicing, and to keep going. As a mother, this is simply something that must be embraced. It’s like the domino days – we know they’re going to fall over doing the day – and yet, we still must reset them and try again. Don’t run from trying over and over and over. Each time is another step forward, another progress, and another learning moment. There is beauty in pulling up the boot straps, believing in a vision, and trying. Sometimes just getting through a day takes tremendous effort – don’t dismiss that – and instead, hold your head high for the constant effort given.

don’t be afraid to speak your mind
Anyone that has children will know that they are often unafraid to speak their minds. In our home, the culture of respect is established, but within that parameter there is freedom to speak one’s heart. In fact, this is encouraged – with respect. Society needs individuals who are passionate and unafraid to speak up for what is right, for others, and for what they believe in. Children are very just orientated and will speak up if they see something as not fair. They will fight for themselves and for those that they love. Be a voice – but as I remind my kids – pick your battles – not everything is a battle that needs to be fought. But also be willing to speak up about your journey and your heart. Part of the beauty in the community that has developed here is the willingness to admit that motherhood is often so far from perfect and that we all have struggles, and yet we all encourage and support each other in our authenticity. As I always say – the world needs more real.

appreciate the relationships
Just like telling I love you throughout the day, I’ll watch my children appreciate the relationships that they have with their siblings. Often it’s in the can I wake my brother up now so that we can play type moments – to which I always and quickly say no because I love the quiet in the morning and some of my kids need more sleep – that they have with each other. They see the value in cultivating the relationships. The other day I took my daughter to Starbucks and bought her a frapp and as we were driving home I noticed she only drank half. When I asked her why she told me she was saving the other half for her older sister. That’s investing in a relationship and appreciating those in your lives. Appreciate those relationships in your lives. Again tell those in your life that you are grateful for them. Go out of your way to express gratitude and thanks – words matter – and relationships in our lives are truly gifts.

it’s okay to sing – be yourself
I’m not sure what it is about singing (or humming) but often there is one child in my home singing. Almost all the time. Except for the times when I establish the this is the absolute quiet level and there’s no talking allowed rule there is inevitably singing. Or have you been to the store and heard a little one humming away? They’re confident in who they are and in that moment those kids feel like singing. So often we stifle that part of ourselves – the kid part that just loves life – and conform to what we think the world defines us to be. Be yourself. I love my children for the crazy differences between all of them – the fact that Samuel loves to rock in the chair with me in the morning, and Caleb wants to take walks holding my hands, and that Brennan is constantly telling stories. Those differences make beauty. Learn to sing again. Appreciate life.

celebrate the little things
Last year I wrote about Elijah and the joy he found in a box of straws that I brought home from the store. A 99cent box of colored straws {read let me see the straws} earned words about this being the best day ever. Kids celebrate life. They celebrate the little things – the sun in the morning, the crash of the Angry Birds set, the gum that you buy, the fact that they can jump in the puddles, snow falling, time with grandparents, oranges from the store, time spent reading a book, and the little things in life. Don’t stop seeing those things, the gifts, in your own life. Allow the posture of your heart to be willing to look for something that you are grateful for in the midst of the everyday. Start to see the world with eyes like a child and appreciate the blessings in the everyday.

Seven really simple things that children can teach us. Often I’m humbled by the reset that my children give – they stop me in my tracks of the busy and make me appreciate the moments in life. Or they remind me of courage, excitement, and joy. Embrace these things.

Which of these seven things do you need to remember today?