(For an explanation of the writing prompt, click here)Real is your kids keeping you accountable to what you said before, because they'll never forget that you said some made-up rule and now you're not following your own rule. "We only eat broccoli on the third Tuesday of the month because that's when its on sale at the grocery store." (Not, "because I HATE broccoli.") "But MOM, this is only the SECOND Tuesday of the month! The broccoli is early!"
Real is trying to explain to your kids that we're all still working on being better people...
Real is feeling like I'd rather sit in the car by myself for the next 15 minutes while I wait for the Cub Scout meeting to finish up, but dragging myself out of the car to go watch the wild game of dodgeball in the parking lot. And then being really glad that I DID go out there, because Archer was thrilled to have an audience. And a neighbor came over to chat with me about our kids. Her kids are all grown up now, she had three boys and three girls. She's outlived two husbands. And at 84, she's hoping she's got a few more years to enjoy her family.
Real is the real-life moments that happen only when you put yourself out there, when you allow them in, and realize that the quiet solitude might not be worth it, if you miss out on all those other moments.
Real is blurry pictures, messy clothes and food on faces, sticky hands and french fries everywhere. Real is all-out temper tantrums followed by those sticky hands on your face or arms wrapped around your neck in the biggest baby hug ever. Dirty feet that should have been washed yesterday, covered up with clean white socks that will stay that way only for moments before they're black, because who has time to put on shoes before running out the door?
5 comments:
So understand wanting those quiet minutes but how our children soak in the minutes to make memories! thank you for sharing
Oh I loved this! The things we say-- and they remember it, don't they?! The dirty feet (who has time to put on socks?) -- I know this- my boys do this. And the temper tantrums. Yep. Been there.
Beautiful post!
real is dirty and messy and fun all wonderfully mixed up together! thanks for the reminder!
hopping over from gypsy mama tonight... glad I did!
~H
Loved this! Choosing to step out of the desired quiet to enjoy the random beautiful moments of life makes it so much richer. Beautiful words.
Real is the real-life moments that happen only when you put yourself out there. oh yes to this line...we have so many choices each day...retreat or get real...Blessings as we all receive grace to get real~
Post a Comment