Embrace the Children

Yay, we made it to Fall Break 2020. My calendar sends me reminders of scheduled events each day about our family trip that is NOT happening this year. At first I was a bit disappointed as they popped up on my phone. We were finally taking our kids, along with mom, my brother, sis-in-law and nieces to the "Most Magical Place on Earth". After much saving, planning, gathering information, input on best places to stay, eat, activities for the kids, reserving and saving some more; we made the decision this summer to postpone, apparently due to some virus going around?!? We want the best experience and this just didn't seem to be the best year for that.

I already had time scheduled off work this week and we decided to make this a 'staycation' since we couldn't get settled on going somewhere and decided to ask the kids, "what are some things you would like to do over Fall Break?" You can probably imagine the list was very long.....but in fact, a solid answer was spending time as a family and being together reading our bible story, watching a family Christian movie, having a spa night, and playing with cars. Yes, my heart welled up! I would've thought after being together pretty much 24/7 for the past 6 months they had enough of us. Don't get me wrong, some days they want to hide out with Nana! Then I asked, what activities can we do as a family together that you would enjoy? I even started with a couple ideas. They began to share and everyone's input was taken into consideration as we started to tentatively plan activities for the week.

So far this week, my sweet girl and I enjoyed getting our nails painted. We enjoyed a family ride through Townsend, taking a walk to a small cabin and taking funny pictures! Our highlight adventure Monday was horseback riding at Davy Crockett Riding Stables. It was a blast! A memory I don't want to forget as all three were on their official first horseback trail ride. Sarah led the way on Fancy, Samuel was riding Gypsy, I was on Goldie, Frank and Daniel were on Scooter. They looked so grown up and were proud to be riding by themselves.

Family Horseback Riding!

Unfortunately, many times as parents we allow "other things or people" to be 'more important' and our kids sometimes get set aside. I've been guilty of it, more than once. I'm not at all advocating we drop everything for them All.The.Time. Our kids need to learn manners, respect and boundaries. But, how many times have we allowed another person or phone notification/call/message, dishes, checklists, (insert your own moment here), to interrupt you from slowing down and really enjoying your child?

Believe it or not, kids sense when you feel like they’re a bother or in the way of you accomplishing other 'tasks'. They can also tell when you genuinely like them and enjoy their company. As parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, daycare providers, teachers, friends (anyone a kid wants or tries to interact with), you communicate your attitude toward them, in part, by little gestures: a warm smile, eye contact, a gentle hug, a laugh.

You make a bold statement when you put down what you’re doing for a minute and give them your undivided attention, it says, “You are important to me, You matter to me, I value your thoughts and opinions and I want to hear what you have to say.” Even, if what they want to share with you may not be that important (to you).

As my kids sat closely beside me, sharing ideas they would like to do together, I was reminded of the Bible story when Jesus said, "let the little children come to me". He had time for them, even when the disciples didn't think He did.

"The children were brought to Him that He might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:13-14

Take some time today, this week, this month, and make it a point to enjoy your kids while you can. They’re God’s special gifts, entrusted to your care for only a few short years. My prayer is that these important moments in our lives, right now, will lead them as they get older to opening up the door of communication further and extending our relationship in the future to so much more! There will come a time when our heart yearns for that time of talking with them, playing and spending time with them, make the most of it now. "Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want". Ken Poirot

When life is spinning, pick your focal point!

Blessings from our family to yours,

Frank and Samantha