I Can't Wait To Grow Up...

On Friday, a second grader told me that he couldn't wait to be an adult.  My reply was the typical response of most adults.  "Oh you don't want to grow up too fast.  You'll miss out on so much!  You'll have to get a job and have all kinds of responsibilities.  Enjoy being a kid while you can."  I remember those days myself.  Of course there were many reasons I couldn't wait to grow up and get out of the house.

Dealing with the bittersweetness of my own children growing at warp speed and moving into my 30's in recent years brings forth a lot of thoughts & feelings regarding age.  As kids we can't wait to grow up, but when we become adults, we don't want to grow old.

What is seen in the future that is so shiny and beautiful that we would wish childhood to be rushed?  The mysterious "freedom" that we assume will be acquired when we reach that magical age of 18?  Is it being taller (or in some cases not so much) or maybe the excitement of eventually driving a car?

Why do we fear or avoid growing older?  Is it just the gray hair, wrinkles, and body changes that make us wish we could freeze time?  Could it be the fact that we just feel older as our children grow?  Are we affected by the goals left unaccomplished and worry that we won't ever achieve them?

Take a deep breath.  Look around you and take note of where you have been and where you are in life.  Think of all the people who have affected you and the ones you have affected.  What makes you happy?  What makes you lucky?  Take a look in the mirror.  Do you see those eyes looking back at you?  What have they seen so far in this life?  What have they yet to see?  What happened in your years to give those eyes depth and sparkle?  Smile and appreciate how much you have grown as a person and how much you have yet to grow.   Life is too short to worry about rushing it or slowing it down.  Take the time to enjoy the moment you are in.

Did you wish your childhood would rush by so you could be a grown up?  Do you feel apprehension about growing older?  Do you feel content at where you are in life?

A Crumpled Daily Check List

A scavenger hunt in the woods, hot summer sun, cool pool time, 5 smiling kids and 1 adorable baby, 2 awesome grandmas (and a even a grandpa for part of the time), & 3 happy moms.  That is a pretty simple and accurate description of my last Friday afternoon.  What does it all add up to?  A fun & sweet memory to cherish for years!

Ask most people in my family, and they will tell you that I don't often take time to slow down and relax.  I always have a project to occupy my time and something cooking on the back burner as well.  Lists are required to keep my mind organized as I'm constantly going and doing what I can for those around me.  Type A you ask?  Yeah, you could say that.  This is just how I was made.

In the last 2 weeks I've had a few days that allowed me to just let go.  A handful of family members and friends have helped me to relax and not think about what's next on my to do list.  My kids are probably the most responsible in this area.

When I slow down, I realize how quickly my boys are growing.  The summer days are fading at a rate that make me want to reach for the pause button on life's remote.  There are moments that I want to pull my hair out and have some quiet time, but mostly I just know I'm going to be in for some tears when September rolls around.

Guilt finds me when I'm not attempting to keep up with the daily check list, but I realize that's not always what's most important.  If I don't stop to appreciate the beauty in life, those feelings will find me later in the years.

As I look out past my deck, I notice freshly fallen raindrops, caught by rich green leaves, sparkling like tiny rhinestones in the sunshine.  Before long, this will no longer be visible.  Rain will evaporate or roll off the green foliage to soak into the ground below.  Had I not taken the time to look at what was right in front of me, I would have missed it all.

Don't miss out on all the simple joys in life.  Whether it's board games with the kids, singing silly songs, or dancing around the living room, take a day off and enjoy every second.

What have you done or experienced lately that qualifies as a simple joy?  Do you stop to smell the roses often or struggle with taking the extra time?  Who or what helps you to slow down and relax?

*****

Sticking With It

This morning I delivered a thank you gift to the staff of my son's school.  As a PTO representative and school volunteer, I've had the opportunity to see all of these wonderful people in action more often than some parents.  I'm so grateful for all of the time and energy the teachers and staff put into the education of our children.  However, working in the school goes far beyond teaching kids how to write, read, and do math. I appreciate the positive example these adults set for my children and was able to provide them with a small token to acknowledge everything that they do.


Saying the words thank you, or a simple gesture of thanks, show appreciation.  You can encourage and invigorate the spirits of those who work so hard with the smallest actions.  Everyone needs a little pat on the back from time to time. 


A tin from Target's dollar spot, $1.  Scrap paper, ribbon, and a paw print punch already owned, $0.  Old fashioned candy sticks (40) in school colors from Cracker Barrel, $4.  A little time and thoughtfulness to say, "Thanks for sticking with our kids this year!," priceless.

Is there anyone you need to thank today?  Someone who needs a bit of encouragement?  

Let someone know you appreciate what they do.