It's about teaching them the things that matter, when they matter.
Talking to them about Jesus and saying prayers with them from day one.
Singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The ABC's, and the Itsy Bitsy Spider and pretending to enjoy it.
Every single time.
It's about reading stories before bedtime.
Allowing them to paint and draw and use too much glue without getting nervous about your carpet.
Showing them the outdoors and God's creation so they learn to respect and love it for themselves.
Going on camping trips and picnics from the early years.
All the way to the years when it's embarrassing to admit.
It's about traveling and showing them how big our world is.
Putting them on sports teams, in Scouts, or classes to learn an instrument or two.
Finding crayon-drawings on the walls, and not getting too mad.
Hanging pictures and papers on the fridge and framing their artwork for the halls.
It's about going to the park and getting sticky hands from melting ice cream.
Having a play-do budget for when they mix the colors or leave it out.
Getting bubble gum out of hair and grass stains out of jeans.
Buying new clothes and shoes during growth spurts.
It's about fun family portraits and cute wallet pictures.
Letting them help make dinner, despite the extra hour it takes.
Sitting down and eating it together.
It's about giving them big boxes and seeing what they create out of it.
Picking out birthday party themes.
Listening to music with the windows open on a nice day.
Taking too many pictures of them in their too-many outfits.
It's about giving them a pet to teach responsibility.
Letting them play in the sprinkler.
Eating popsicles outside, so they don't drip in the kitchen.
Cutting the crust off their sandwiches.
It's about leaving them notes of encouragement for a hard day.
Hugging and kissing them goodbye.
Dressing them in hoodies, jeans, and chucks.
Not getting impatient when they need two baths a day.
It's about showing them all the love you have for them.
Sometimes regretting some of your actions or words.
Realizing they are growing up.
And crying.
Letting them go.
i don't know why I'm so randomly emotional, but this made me teary eyed.
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ReplyDeleteI cried today. I think that's why I wrote it.
I found out a little kid I've been watching used to be beat and that's why they moved, etc. And it got to me.
I liked a lot of the things you said. Like the little ones that I wouldn't think of that are so true.
ReplyDelete"Letting them help make dinner, despite the extra hour it takes."
That one was really nice. = )
Nice work.
i love this. its so touching. i dont even have words to describe it. thank you.
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