My child sat down at the picnic table delightedly admiring the heaping sno-cone she held in her hand. Suddenly, a look of worry came across her face. “Do I have to rush, Mama?”
I could have cried.
Here was my child simply wanting to enjoy her icy treat, but she feared she would have to eat quickly and perhaps not have time to finish it down to the last tasty drop. Hearing the word “rush” upon her small lips was disheartening. But for many years, I lived life in a rush. “Hurry up” became a worn-out phrase in my daily vocabulary.
Live in Today
As my child looked up at me waiting to know if she could take her time, I knew I had a choice. I could sit there in sorrow thinking about the number of times I rushed my child through life … or I could celebrate the fact that today things are different.
I chose to live in today.
“You don’t have to rush. Just take your time,” I said gently. Her whole face instantly brightened and her shoulders relaxed.
And so we sat side-by-side talking about things that ukulele-playing-six-year-olds talk about. There were even moments when we sat in silence just smiling at each other and admiring the sights and sounds around us.
The Sweetness of Life
I thought my child was going to eat the whole darn thing—but when she got to the last bite, she held out a spoonful of ice crystals and sweet juice for me. “I saved the last bite for you, Mama,” my daughter said proudly.
As I let the icy goodness quench my thirst, I realized I just got the deal of a lifetime.
I gave my child a little time … and in return, she gave me her last bite and reminded me that things taste sweeter and love comes easier when we take pause in the busyness of life.
What pressures do you experience that make you rush your children? Have you discovered any ways for slowing down and simply being with the ones you love?
