Make the ordinary come alive for them.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the whole “competition game” when you have children.  From the moment they are born it seems like we’re comparing them to every other child around.  Doctors even encourage us to do that early on:  Are they rolling over yet?  Sitting up yet?  Talking?  Walking?

Then it seems like once they’re in school, we push them to take part in as many activities as possible.  For me, this started out as a way to help them explore and find what they liked, so that they could (as adults) eventually forage their own path in life.  But when I read this beautiful quote above by William Martin, my heart was reminded that the comparing, the activities, the grades, the friendship groups … NONE OF IT is as important as teaching them about being human.

Can I be open enough to let them see my tears? Will I take the time help them find wonder in the ordinarily beautiful things about this life?  I truly hope that I’ll surround them with true love and acceptance and that I will encourage their curiosity, because it doesn’t cost any money to hang with my kids, and it sure is worth my time.

I want to be part of their lives for all of their days, so let me continue to be honest and real with them, and to help “make the ordinary come alive for them.”