The other day the kids and I went on an adventure…a simple walk across the field…down to the water…to another world. For them it was a familiar path, one they visit often with full and wild imaginations. For me it was a separation between doing what I thought I wanted/should be/needed to be doing and pulling myself away from all that to join my children in their space, where most likely existed a world that I needed much more than anything else.
Why is it that I often find it difficult to pull away from the chores and the daily jive to go with them? I hear the words, “Play with me.” “I need someone to play with me.” “Mommy come here.” “Mommy look.” “Mommy!” “Mommy! I NEED you!” deeply embedded all throughout my days, each and everyday, so often that sometimes I wonder if I wrote down how many times I heard the word “Mommy” it might range somewhere in the thousands each day it seems. Four people requesting my full awareness and presence; four people wanting me present in their lives to share all of their wide and worldly discoveries with. How honored it is to be me! How loved I am! How much I appreciate this point in their lives, where they want me there. Yet, I often find myself zoning it out. Mommy becomes a word I ignore, and that makes me sad. I want to be present for my kids. I want to be there as much as they want or need me to, knowing that that desire from them won’t always unconditionally be there. Being a Mom is such an emotionally taxing/blessing of a job, one that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I cherish it regardless of the trials and tribulations that I find along it’s path; and I cherish above all, the challenges like this one…to be more present with my children most of all.
So on this day, I followed. We held hands as we walked across the drive. We swung our intertwined arms wildly and were silly. I followed them down the path they have come to know. And the farther from the house we got…the more their imaginations began to soar. Once we climbed down to the creek I stepped back and watched them, in their own world, in awe of just how much I can learn from them.
While we were on our adventure and fully submersed in the nature that always surrounds us; that allows invites us over for tea whenever we need it…I felt the creek wash away every bit of daily tension and magically we were all deeply connected. Connected deeply with each other; with the water; with the air; with the Earth; connected with every bit of nature and our surroundings. As we walked back to the house, I returned with a deep impression in my mind…to allow myself to follow in their footsteps more often. It is good medicine for the soul.
Wow…it’s so beautiful there. For me it’s easier to be present when outdoors and away fron the house and housework! No chance of that here today, it’s lashing rain and stormy!
Wow… I am crying reading this also.. Thank YOU for the reminder, I too need to be PRESENT with my children when THEY need it, not when I feel like it!! For tomorrow is never a promise, and I would hate to have missed one single minute of my time with them or their time with me… Thank you for your honesty in these posts
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I completely agree and I lately feel I’ve been more absent than present in my kids’ daily play, which is starting to turn into “harass each other until we can get Mommy’s attention.” I need to leave the dishes, leave the computer and dive right in! I’ll do better tomorrow!
P.S. Man I wish I had that stream in my backyard! I would LOVE if my kids could have the wooded backyard like I had in Downingtown (minus the ticks)
Boy oh boy, do I get this one! Instead of “Mommy” I get “A-Mumma?” I’ll say “Yes” over and over again until I realize he wants me to SEE him and really look at him. I have to remember this post! Why is it chores are more mesmerizing than kid time?
Amen sista! Right there with you.
Beautiful! I can totally relate with what you are saying in this post. I could use a whole bunch of soul medicine in my life right now. Kids sure do know how to live. We adults can learn so much from them.
It is the very best medicine for the soul. Such a lovely time to experience with your children. Your little place in this world looks so very peaceful.
I enjoy so much and look forward each time to read your blog, that on my first blog anniversary I’m passing a little sunshine your way. I’m nominating you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
NaturallyFunDays.wordpress.com
shed a tear. Love it ;0)
This really resonated with me this morning. We are going through some job uncertainty in our lives right now, and it can be so difficult to be “present” for our children even during “easy” times, much less during the tough ones. I am struggling to keep focused on their needs of “now”, rather than their need of “tomorrow.” But sometimes, perhaps, its just as simple following their lead. Thanks for the inspiration. And by the way, I think you’re so brave and courageous with leap of faith you have made in your life…
You have such a beautiful place to call home. Reminds me so much of the fields and woods in which grew up in. I could spend hours by that little river of yours, it’s just so peaceful and beautiful