Small Things

Source: thecreativepaige.com via Melanie on Pinterest

This weekend I read a talk that a friend shared with me titled " Raising Self-reliant and Respectful Children" by Daryl Hoole.  It was given at the BYU School of Family Life Distinguished Lectures Series.  I was impressed and inspired with all of this speech, but a few points really hit home and got me thinking.

 I loved this explanation of respect:

"Respect is honor and esteem.  Being respectful is to do and say the nicest thing in the nicest way."

It is so easy  to slip into a negative tone with my children when they are not listening or obeying like I think they should. Children are people and deserve respect all the time too.  I am going to do better at being firm, but still nice and respectful at times like that.

I also loved this part: 

 A busy husband promised his wife "to give you my best and not that which is left over."

 I thought about that a lot. My family is number one for me, but do I give my husband and children my very best, not just whatever is left?  With 5 boys at home and a husband that is gone a lot with his job, I do get worn thin at times.  I know that is normal,  but I don't want to look back at this time in my life and have regrets.  I think that if loving my family and creating a happy, peaceful home is top on my list then maybe at this time in my life, items on my 'To Do' list need to be left undone.  Even good projects and tasks can take too much of my focus and energy--leaving me tired, stressed and worn out.  I realized that I need to be careful in how I plan my day and time, making sure I am giving the most time/energy to my family right now, you know?!  I can already see that this time is short when all my little chicks are in the nest and I don't want to waste a day of it being frazzled or "checked out".  

( I really don't think my boys would like to be referred to as "chicks"--ha ha!)

It brought to mind something else I had recently read--well actually listened to.  I have been listening to conference talks on my daily walks.  This was from 'Of Regrets and Resolutions" found here:

"Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.

Is it?

I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.

I can’t see it.

Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the
 precious gift of His time."

If we fail to give our best personal self and undivided time to those who are truly important to us, one day we will regret it.

Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories.

These thoughts have left me feeling more committed to taking on less, focusing more on the individual, (especially those that are mine),  and simply living more purposefully.  I sometimes get overwhelmed with the big picture --- but really the key for me is making the time to consistently do small things with great love for the most important people in my life.