It’s been a busy week.
A week where deadlines, responsibilities, and self imposed stress catapulted “seemingly important” things to the forefront of of my energies.
So what happened when my daughter asked me today if I would go to the creek with her?
My immediate reactions wrestled.
“No, I am too busy, too far behind, too tired, too…too what?”
What was more important in that moment of time than dropping everything and demonstrating, in the most simple of ways, where my priorities reside.
In that moment of time, I thought it was all about her.
The reality hit me that it is too often about me.
As I walked hand in hand down the path with my blessing, she gazed up at me and giggled,
“This is the happiest, most wonderful day of my life.”
I pondered that response and questioned her, “Why?”
“Because you’re going to the creek with me, and it feels like my birthday,” she simply stated.
As this mother choked up, I was once again reminded that life’s most precious moments are the simple ones – it’s the little things that are the big things.
Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Congrats for getting it right !
I missed way to many moments many years ago and I can’t get them back no matter how much I want to ,Blessings to you and your beautiful little miracle maker with her simple way of teaching you how to choose the right answer for all the rest or your lives .
Enjoy your precious treasure .
Happy weekend.
What a great reminder… It’s easy to forget how the little things are the big things and also how easy it is to please a child and show them love.
Yes, all too often we become engrossed in what we think is important, forgetting to take time to enjoy the simple things.
Glad you went to the creek with her!
aww i’m so glad you went too! what a sweet day together.
I so agree… I regret saying NO to the little things… Having 3 boys and one gone….of to college you soon realize… “WHAT IF I? AND THE QUESTION COULD HAVE SHOULD HAVE”
At the end of the say you realize its the simple things that count…..
Nice post. Charming. That is a great day. I am new here, just checking out your lovely blog. 🙂
Such a Beautiful message and one of the most important things to remember as a parent.
Thanks for the reminder and so happy that you ‘went to the creek’.
Hugs,
Lynn
Ooooh, convicting. I don’t go to the “creek” often enough. My 3 year old is always asking me to play doll house with her and I am usually washing dishes or keeping her little sister happy. I just need to drop the *stuff* and play! Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Sometimes we tend to major in the minors but I’m glad to see you’re majoring in the majors.
It really is hard to put all the “stuff” down, but I try to remind myself that this sweet time is only here for such a short time that all the rest will have to wait.
Sweet, sweet post.
Sounds like it was a break you both needed!
What a sweet post! Sounds like it was a great much needed break.
Too many times I let things (especially the computer) take me away from my precious, growing son. Thank you for that reminder…I wish I had a real creek to walk to! : )
You are so right. Thanks for the lovely reminder!
Sweet, Jen! I remember wading in nearby creeks a whole lot when I was growing up. Such a fun time! Good for you for just doing it.
When I was pregnant with my first child, an older woman and mother told me that she wished she had spent less time picking up Legos and more time actually PLAYING. I’ve never forgotten it. GREAT POST.
It’s unfortunate that we parents miss these moments way to often. It’s so funny for me to read this since I am currenty laid up with a twisted ankle…I do a lot of listening…and in that I realize how often my husband and I brush off the request of our children…NO MORE… I plan to say “yes” way more often when they ask for my time…
Thank you for the reminder!!
Wow, what a precious reminder for every mother reading this. I popped over her from Vern’s blog, and feel this was written just to me!! Thank you for such a moving story and great pictures.
I’m saddened to think how many times my sweet boy asks me to do something and I say, “just a minute,” “maybe later,” or “let me finish this first.” So ironic, my 15 year old daughter, who I would give anything to spend time with, is saying those very same words to me as she runs off with her friends. You have moved me to treasure every invitation from my sweet son before he turns 15!!!
Blessings on your day,
Wendy
I can see why the tears came to your eyes! Thanks for the simple reminders!
Awww, such tender moments, captured, because you HEARD the calling……wonderful post!
suzanne
great reminder! I have been swamped at work and home lately and dont feel like I have time for anything…even blogging. lol I did go outside today to play baseball with the husband and kid. It was nice.
What a beautiful posts! I bet you are glad that you went!
Amen.
What a lovely blog. I found you from Toni’s twitter to you.
Mine are 16 and 20 and I have never regretted the time I spent with them. I have regretted the time I spent to focused on housework. There needs to be a balance.
Just yesterday I dropped everything to go off with my 20 year old at his request. These requests will come fewer and fewer as he gets older and moves away from home.
I can so relate. This weekend I pretty much dropped everything to spend time with my own mother. She was visiting from out of town with my sister and niece. (I thought of you while we were bargain shopping.) We took the kids to the park, and the dollar store. 🙂 It was so much fun. Life will resume as normal tomorrow but I’m going to try and remember to sneak in play time more often.
So true! I sometimes feel like I don’t stop to spend precious moments with my children. The laundry and chores can be done later. 😀
Great reminder. After reading this I spent a few hours taking my 18year old son to Borders and Starbucks even though I’m on a big deadline for work. Thanks! btw that need for time with them doesn’t decrease as they get older!
I’m with ya!
Great post.
Stopping by via SITS to say hello.
Have a great day!
“It’s the little moments that make life big!”
It’s so true. And I bet you never forget that memory! Thanks for reminding us what is important!
Beautiful photographs, btw!
LOVE.THIS.POST. What a sweet, sweet reminder of what’s truly most important. And today of all days…I needed that reminder. Thanks for putting it all in perspective, Jen. I sure do love that about you.
~Amanda
p.s. I’m having a giveaway to celebrate the grand opening of my etsy shop. I’d love for you to stop by and enter!
I love the picture you have of just legs and feet with toes just slightly dipping into the creek. I’d frame that or something! 🙂
Thanks for reminding me! I can get too wrapped up in cleaning or some other everyday task. I love the quote.
I’m so glad you went…and you have photos!
~Kim
“Because you’re going to the creek with me, and it feels like my birthday,” she simply stated.
A quote worth remembering! Thanks for sharing!
This was soooooo convicting. I am so guilty of being busy, too busy, all the time. I am a sahm so that I can be the one to raise my children. I really should spend more time with them. Beautiful post! Thank you for the sweet reminder. Blessings!
What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, LOVELY post Jen. So true, nothing more important. Nothing.
This is such a sweet and wonderful reminder that we should all make more of an effort to slow down and savor the little things with those we love!
Aren’t you glad you stopped to smell the roses (or go to the creek)?
BTW, beautiful photos.
Blessings