Say Yes

I have a million things to do. Like, actually a million. No exaggeration.

Ok, maybe it’s a bit of an exaggeration. A tiny one. But I really do have a very long list of unfinished projects and household chores to do. There’s laundry to wash, dry, and fold, there’s supper to figure out, and dust is collecting.

And outside? Ugh, don’t even get me started. Too late, I’ll start. Something is eating my rose bush so I should probably figure that out. There’s been massive flooding in our garden do its a disaster and many things need to be replanted. The plants may have died from the excessive rain, but the weeds loved it. So guess what’s thriving right now!

The barn is half cleaned, there’s a dozen downed trees that need to be cleaned up, and on and on the list goes.

Guess what I’m doing? I’ll give you a hint…it’s not anything on the list.

My kids asked if they can go in the pool just as I was going to get my grocery list together and get groceries.

All too often I say I’m busy or have something else going on. They probably expect that answer by now. I decided to embrace these summer days and say yes.

The joy on their faces was inexpressible! They ran to get swimsuits and towels and were trying to figure out the lock on the pool before I’d even gotten outside! And now, they are thoroughly enjoying themselves while I sit on the deck and soak up the sun.

I find even in these moments that I have a hard time decompressing and enjoying the moment. The to-do list still runs through my head, my breath still comes shallow, and the tension remains in my shoulders. I know there’s so many things that need to be done.

But, as I consciously tell myself to take deep breaths and relax my body I realize I am doing something of importance. Well, two things really.

I’m giving my kids the time to just have fun and slow down. But I’m also giving myself permission in the midst of busy to slow down and have fun too.

We live in a society that praises busyness and sees hurry as a status symbol. How often do we ask how are you to hear “I’m so busy.” We may even say it in a frustrating tone but we really use it as a badge of honor.

As mamas, we really do have an endless list of to-dos and must-get-dones. Kids always need something. The house needs tending. Supper needs to get made. And they are all good things.

But don’t forget to put rest and fun on your to-do list as well. Remember your kids are little once…just once. Tomorrow they will be older, a year from now they may not want to snuggle on the couch with a book or have you watch them in the pool.

The projects and chores will always be there. Things will always need repair or tidying.

Your kids will grow up and go on adventures of their own. And guess what? It’s amazing to see (more on that next time).

Savor now. Enjoy their smiles and splashes and potions, and tree climbing. Laugh with them. Walk at their pace. Say yes to “lifeguarding”.