Take a moment today and stop.
Stop racing around, doing all those really important things that you need to do and just stop. Sit on a chair, gather up your little ones and just be. Enjoy them. Right now.
I know you’ve got other things to do. I do to. We all do. Our to-do lists are long, but our time with these kids is not. At least not in the scheme of an entire life.
I tend to be a runner. A sprinter. Moving from thing to thing to thing and always telling them to just wait. Then sometimes life knocks just a wee bit of sense in my busy persona and I start to see how few times I simply sit with my children and enjoy them.
Yes, enjoy them.
Not think about all that needs to change, or how their room is a mess, or what we’re going to make for dinner, or that they’re still in their pajamas. I’m talking about taking your brain off the fast-track schedule and sitting with them and being grateful for who they are and that they are in your life. If you’re worried about time, set a timer — and devote the time you set to just being thankful for them and to be with them.
It’s easy to live forgetting.
I know I have. I tend to pray for strength for the day, but forget to say thanks for even having the day with them. You know that phase stop and smell the roses? That’s what I’m telling you, telling myself to actually do. I talk about the roses, I talk about the blessings of parenthood, but today I’m reminded to actually stop. And see. And be grateful.
Go. Set your timer. And enjoy your children right now.
Smell the roses in life.
I know I need to.
10 comments
Sometimes this is so hard with babies…I have two babies and a 3 year old and I just can’t seem to do this as often as I need/want to.
I know it’s a season, and as they grow things will change.
Rachel, you always seem to know just what is going on in my heart! Been struggling with not being a “fun mom” lately, just posted about it too…thank you for this gentle reminder to stop and enjoy the blessings God has given to me!
Thank you Mrs. Martin.
Yes, I’m noticing that today I need to just stop my school schedule for a few minutes and spend some times with my siblings. Often times I just tell them “Maybe later” or “Not right now”. I’m just going to take a break, trust God to help me finish my school later, and enjoy my siblings. They won’t be little for long.
~Madison
A beautiful post, my friend.
getting caught up on your blog… loved your last few posts! and yes, learning to always stop and smell the roses. a constant lesson for moms!
Your words — it’s easy to live forgetting — brought tears to my eyes. Lord, help me see and stop and love! Blessings.
I love your words here, you have a way with them…
I actually tend to not have a problem or weakness in this area, crazy huh?! I am not a runner or sprinter at all..I have always stopped to smell the roses, …I recently asked my Father if I have always been “this way” and he said YES since i was little! Interesting huh?!
You’ll never regret taking the time to do this!
Know that you’re always in my thoughts and prayers!
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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Today I’m doing just that, dd has norovirus and I’m just being alongside her. It’s awful that she’s sick but I’m so thankful I can at least drop everything to look after her.
Such a timeless and appropriate message, Rachel! It’s easy to forget and become entwined in the busy-ness of life. Thanks for this reminder.