I think of how many times I have been "too busy" to sit down and have tea or play Legos or have a war with my kids. Too busy doing what? Letting their lives flee by me, that's what. Who cares if the house is clean (well to an extent) or if the dishes are done now or in an hour. Why oh why do we let the "things" of life really rob our joy in raising children. My older kids don't even want to "play" anymore. We have to beg them to have a family game night. I know hind sight is always 20/20 but it would have been great to listen to my mom when she said there will be a time when you will greatly miss all the messes and noise of young children. I am already feeling that as Alex heads to high school in a few weeks. He is more concerned with video games than mom. The girls who will start middle school in the same few weeks are equally as uninterested in playing, although they still think mom is pretty cool (mostly because I'm the makeup and nail ticket.) They still beg for tea parties and I still say "later." Well....today I make a conscious choice to do what they ask. So we may be "playing" all day, but it'll be worth it because these times are fleeting and too soon the noises and messes will be gone. They will all get a hug from me today too, whether they like it or not...even that high school boy!
Thanks Gabriel for reminding me that "mom, play a war with me" is more than a suggestion it is a life choice...to play or not to play.
