I let them out to play and watched from the car as they took in every last slide & swing. They played tag over & over. They laughed and got along (trust me, this isn't an ordinary occurrence!). As I watched them play, tears came to my eyes because of how fast time goes. Wasn't it just yesterday that they were toddlers? Preschoolers?
But more importantly, my tears were for what they were teaching me as I watched them play. I took in their childlike wonder & excitement about Life. Their ability to just drop everything and play. Something that just doesn't come naturally for me. Children have this incredible ability to be in the here and now. They aren't concerned or worried about yesterday or tomorrow or their "to do lists." They look at life from many different eyes than we do as adults.
I then began to wonder: When does it all change? and Why does it need to? and Why is it so hard to get back to that place once we are adults?
What they taught me that day was to not put things off. I've spent the majority of my life dealing with chronic illness. I've told myself many times that once I feel better, I will ... Or once Lyme disease has finally taken a hike, I will ... but honestly what I learned from that day watching them is that there is no time like the present. The things that I think are so important can wait.
What I do know for sure is the next time they want to stop at a park, even if it's in the middle of winter, I am definitely going to get out of our van and go down those slides with them whether I feel like it or not. I will get on that swing next to them and see who can go the highest! I will play tag with them and let them win. And I will probably drag Matthew along just because. :)
I don't want to miss a thing. Those are the moments that will matter at the end of my life.
This park experience reminded me that I wanted to experience this 2011 holiday season, in the same way, as I hope it does for you, too. Take time to slow down during this busy time of year and take in the simple things. The things that really matter. To stop and reflect & remember the true meaning of the season.
Take a moment to pause and take in that pine smell of a real Christmas tree (unless you're allergic!) or stop at that beautifully decorated home all lit up and let it bring joy to your heart. Or maybe make that special person a homemade gift instead of just picking something off the shelf. Or put your "list" aside and instead spend time with your loved ones.
Take some time to get down on bended knee at that manger scene & give Praise and Thanks for Jesus, who is the Gift. Sing that old familiar Christmas song with all of your heart & soul like you mean it.
I write this post on my 17th wedding anniversary to Mark. And even though today's weather doesn't even compare to how it was 17 years ago (it was a beautiful 50 degree day & no snowstorm!), but instead looks like much rain ahead, I think I will ask him to take my hand & take me for a stroll around our neighborhood.
And we will for sure stop and take in all of the Christmas decorations and maybe stop and chat with our neighbors. We will talk about the past 17 years and all that we've been blessed with. And I will let the rain fall on my face & soak my shoes & I will not complain about it for one second.
Because I have everything I need.
Please take a moment to enjoy this video from Third Day. You'll need to "pause" my music player first. My wish for you this season is that you, also, experience Christmas Like a Child and are able to slow down & take it all in.
