Perspective.

Isn’t life all about perspective?

I have been thinking about it a lot lately. In all honesty, it started while watching one of the countless cartoons I have watched with my children over the past three weeks during this forever long virus that we have been fighting. The teacher in the cartoon was trying to teach his students all about perspective. At the end of the show, the student gave his report about a night when each family member had seperate plans and due to car issues all ended up spending the night together stuck at an off the road diner. But, he admits it ended up being one of the best nights he had ever had.

Ever been there before? Plans made, car packed, sitter set up, and then, something happens. Illness, car trouble, unexpected bills, whatever the case maybe, but something happens to totally derail your plans. How did you react?

I know my reactions hasn’t/isn’t always what it should be. At times I feel as if it is the end of the world. Or that I will never get those plans back. I can spend hours playing the “what-if” game. But lately I have been prompted to stop. To stop and ask myself, will it really matter in 5 years? Most often the answer is NO!!

And then, the really important stuff comes to light. Training my children. Making memories with them. Living “in the moment” and saying “yes” more often. Stepping out from behind the camera to make memories with my children has been a huge one! Working side by side with my children has brought us so many good times lately that I can’t begin to recount all of them. They are learning, asking more questions and we are making memories.

I am also so much happier. It is strange but for the most part the least of my concerns, or worries during this very long season of illness has been my confinment to the house. Years ago it would have driven me crazy! But I actually found myself enjoying it. I had time to watch tv with my children, we read book after book, we played playdough and baked cookies. We just spent time. And with this time has come a new perspective.

This is what is important.

It is not plans, or “to-do” lists, or even school. It is capturing the hearts of my children and nurturing them in such a way as to have a life long relationship with them. So, my what does this new perspective change?

Our focus, training, discipling, and relationships will be number one priority. I can’t wait to show you glimpses of this change as we go. I even have pictures of one that I hope to post tomorrow!!

I am so grateful for this change in perspective now. Thankful to my Almighty Father that can even speak to me through a cartoon episode. Thanful for time. Time that I still have to make changes for the better. I am not looking back 20 years from now wishing I had done something differently with my children. Thankful for friends that see small changes and feel my excitment with these changes.

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!