This has been sort of a crazy week. School has started, I just returned from a trip, we're all adjusting to new schedules that involve less sleep and more GO GO GO, and my husband has been out of town all week. Being the only parent around means that I've been just a little desperate for an escape. By the time soccer practice is done, books are read, teeth brushed, bodies washed, jammies on, and kids are FINALLY in bed, I am DONE with KIDS. Okay, let's face it, not having my husband around all week to help out means that I'm pretty done even during the day when the kids are awake. I zone out more, find myself checking e-mail more often because it is nice to hear from other adults, and I sometimes feel like I'm always "chasing a break" when I'm not chasing my children or running them around. This can mean tuning out and MISSING out on the little life around me.
After picking my middle daughter up from Kindergarten, we made our way home for lunch and some quiet time. As I was cooking, I heard her say "Mom, don't you think the mistakes make it pretty?" I was so glad that I was listening to her because I admit, I don't always really Listen even if I hear her. Sadly, so often my own head is so full that I'll respond with a hollow "Oh, yes!" or an "That's cool honey" but the words just float over me and I never really slow down enough to absorb what she says. But today I heard her words and they reached me. Fully. At the time, I didn't know she was talking about her friendship bracelet she had made...the mistakes made it pretty. I'm glad I didn't know exactly what she was talking about initially because her words alone really are so wise in context of life in general.
Yes! Yes, the mistakes DO make it all prettier. Without the mistakes and the imperfections in life, we'd never truly learn and become our best selves. It is these flaws, stumbles, and failures that make us come out stronger in the long run. It is our mistakes (that really aren't such "mistakes" after all) that make us grow and make life so so BEAUTIFUL. I wouldn't trade my mistakes for the world.
Today was just one of many days where I hear such wisdom come from children. I immediately wrote her words down in her special book that I keep for each of my children. It is filled with stories, pictures and other quotes from her wise little self....a treasure indeed! As a teacher, a mother, and someone that has been drawn to children all my life, I believe so deeply that God comes through children...their words, insights and the way they see the world. If only we all were more child-like in wisdom and wonder. If only we all (myself included) slowed down more often to truly LISTEN to what children say....the world would be a wiser place.
Amanda
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LOVE this. Absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteAw, that's so sweet. True. I was "teaching" painting the other day to a group of girls and I was having such a hard time telling them to just loosen up, let the paint blend - I wanted them to understand that the mistakes make it pretty! In art and life!
ReplyDeleteHang in there as the only grown-up ;-)
Love!!!
ReplyDeleteYour children are really going to appreciate the journals you have made for them one day. What a special memory this will make. They are so blessed to have you!
ReplyDeleteHow true! Thank you for reminding us to slow down and listen:)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I too have three kiddos that are almost the exact same age of yours. I can relate to everything you said and feel as though I find myself often brushing off or not paying attention to the words my children are saying. Being present is a constant struggle for me. Being present for the people I am with and enjoying the present moment I am in, instead of wishing I were two days down the road. This life goes by way to fast and I'm thankful for your reminder today. I also wanted to say "Congratulations!" on this new journey you are about to embark on! I love how aware you are of the changes you are going through during this transition and I know you are on the way to something GREAT! --Meredith
ReplyDeleteThis post just made me smile all the way to my heart. Kids can be wise and wonderful and the bane of your existence.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how a child so young can speak so much truth.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, simply beautiful. And such a great reminder to stop and listen, I think most if not all of us fall into autopilot mom every now and again and don't really hear what our kids are saying. Thanks, very timely post for me.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely great! Thanks for sharing. Out of the mouths of babes! I always think having the kids home for summer is so much easier - good luck getting into the rhythm of "Back to School"!
ReplyDeleteToo cute!
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