“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
I have three jobs that keep me pretty busy. However, my real position is: Daughter of the King, wife to my best friend and an amazing husband, and mom to some terrific kids!
Today was a decent day. Instead of provoking my kids by mindlessly barking out orders, I gave choices. I stated what was expected in a friendly voice instead of a lecture or “I-told-you-so” attitude. I accomplished a decent amount of work with one job and while I’m not done yet with the duties for my other position, I have a fairly good handle on it. Not my best day but certainly not my worst.
Typically, we reserve Monday nights for a date night between my husband and our daughter and Awana for our boys and me. Our oldest and I serve while our youngest gets to hide God’s word in his heart and make new friends. However, the third Monday of every month we usually miss Awana because I have responsibilities with one of my job that keep me at my computer instead. I don’t mind – I love what I do and I enjoy that aspect of my job as well. In the past, to make it easier, all three of us would just stay home; however, this particular night, our teenager decided he didn’t want to miss out and asked his dad if he would drive him there and pick him up afterwards. My husband was happy to comply and away they went.
I was standing at the door watching them leave and it struck me. While I couldn’t hear the conversation, I could see the animated laughter permeating the car as the three men in my life truly enjoyed being together. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about memory making – making sure to take the time to appreciate those I love because I never know what the future holds. Not in a sad, depressed way but to truly tuck away the special times, the ordinary times, the “lasts” that I don’t realize are lasts until they never happen again.
We don’t have much longer with our oldest – he is growing so fast and before we know it, we will be down to two children living in our home… then one… then hopefully they will at least come back to visit on holidays and in between. We are blessed with both sets of parents living close – close enough to visit daily or at least several times a month. Saturday my parents had made a date with one of our children and while the youngest was having his turn with his Saturday dad date, my parents spontaneously asked the other child to join them on their shopping excursion. While said child was supposed to be catching up on work around the house, I chose to dismiss chores for what was more important… time with grandparents that could never be gotten again.
I need to remember more often why I work… why I do what I do. It’s so that I can enjoy the time I have with those I love. Not rush through life checking off my huge “to do” list, but intentionally taking time to spend with those who are important to me… remembering what’s most important.
© Cheri Swalwell 2016