As moms, none of us would say that we prioritize any THING over our kids. Yes, I love my novels, but I wouldn’t die for any of them. I have a passion for my work and love what I do, but when it comes down to it, my love for my kids is infinitely larger than the fulfillment I get from my hobbies or my career. However, when I read this post from a contributor I found it rang all too true in my own life. Moms, don’t read this post and let it bring guilt, instead let’s all be inspired to be better, and do better, together!
“Mommy, look at this!”
After several seconds I glance up from my work, irritated at being interrupted again. I fake a little enthusiasm about the new artwork and respond as quickly as possible before turning back to the computer. A few seconds later, my phone buzzes. I snatch it up, eager to see who’s texted me. I type in a reply, set the phone down and am immediately interrupted by one of my children again. I try to hide my annoyance as I help her with a simple task. My phone buzzes for a second time and I smile as I pick it back up to read the message. Then I stop, convicted. Guilt riddles my heart and questions tumble through my brain.
Why am I annoyed when my children interrupt my work but excited when someone else interrupts it? Why am I sometimes happier to stare at a bright screen than I am to gaze into my children’s eyes?
Do they feel loved or do they feel like they’re the most mundane and unimportant part of my day?
Determined to fix this, I turn my phone on silent and set it further away from me on the couch. When my daughter interrupts me again, I pull her close. She looks up, wide eyed and surprised.
“I thought you were working,” she tells me.
“I am sweetie, but I’m more excited to look at your artwork than I am to do this assignment.” Two minutes ago that wouldn’t have been true. Right now, though? I mean it with all my heart.
She grins at me, sets her paper down, kisses my cheeks, and snuggles in close. Her sister catches on to what’s happening and rushes over to join us. We carry on a conversation, unrushed and peaceful. When they’ve had their fill, they get up to play.
I resume my work, no longer distracted by the noise of the Internet, but instead focused and sure. I finish quickly, close my computer, and turn on sweet music so we can twirl around the living room together.
They’re thrilled. As we dance, I know they’re growing up faster than I realize. I’m almost certain that I just brought my tiny pink bundles home from the hospital, but one is already nine –halfway to adulthood. The other is five and no longer needs training wheels when she rides her bike.
I know that all too soon, they’ll be completely grown and gone, busy with lives of their own. After that happens I’ll long for the days when they were in my living room, wishing only for my undivided attention.
I haven’t always chosen the best but right now, swaying to the music with my precious girls, I’m living my dream.
Working, conversations with friends, social media – those things will be around later. But my babies, right here, under my roof, wanting me? That’s the best kind of blessing.
Davonne Parks believes that some of life’s richest moments happen when we embrace the beauty of imperfection as we extend grace to ourselves and others. Plus she has a passion for the Lord, her family, and ORGANIZATION! Davonne has written three nonfiction eBooks and she offers free personalized virtual-organizational tips and fun rewards as part of the popular Get Organized challenge on her blog at DavonneParks.com!
It’s hard to be a mom. It’s a thankless job, and yet we do it and love it. If we are honest, each of us have had those days. The ones when we’d rather be doing anything but playing a preschool game one more time or laughing at a joke we’ve heard 90 times already today. The truth in this post is that we can all change this. In the middle of that day, it’s a simple change of heart. A remembering of what is important. Not to bring guilt, but to bring joy into your day. Let’s all make that eye contact more today and not miss their beautiful smiles.
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Angela says
Thank you Paula for introducing me to Davonne! Her style and tone compliment yours nicely. This was a good storytelling post that resonates with me as I fight this same battle daily. It’s a battle worth fighting. It also reminds me that my 5-year-old wants to learn to ride her bike without training wheels, so I better start helping her with that. LOL!