I often feel as if I’m in a tug of war over the Summer holidays.
My heart pulling me back to the couch, to the pool, to the beach… tugging me to linger, longer with the kids.
To watch a movie in the afternoon, while the washing piles up behind the laundry door.
To wander the beach collecting sticks, instead of cooking dinner and washing dishes.
To bake cookies, make ice cream and live on smoothies for a day.
To savour long lazy mornings and eat lunch in our pyjamas.
My heart knows these days are few.
My heart knows my kids are growing up before my eyes.
My heart tugs me toward them.
My mind worries.
Worries about the sand through the house, and the car.
Worries about the work I’m not getting done.
Worries about meal times, bed times and routines.
And so I exist in a strange tug of war.
My heart is slowly winning, as my mind gently relaxes.
Relaxes, knowing all this mess really is the good stuff.
I’m now smiling as I feel the sand under foot, remembering a day of play at the beach.
Lingering to press my finger into the drips of maple syrup on the bench, a sticky reminder of the kids pancake cook up hours earlier.
The long hot days of Summer are messy, sandy, sticky and filled with soggy towels. They’re also splattered with laughter, banter, wet dogs, wet kids and fun.
Evidence of connections, of family.
Grand evidence for me, of the fast growing humans I’m blessed to have call me Mum.
So, today put ‘worry’ in the back seat and lead with your heart.
Don’t clean up the messes without celebrating the glorious people who helped make them.
The people who your blessed to have share in your life.
Because, your connections matter more than a brochure worthy home.
Although it is funny to read about your Summer while we are in the middle of Winter with snow in the forecast, I heartily endorse your wise words. It’s easier to go with the flow as a grandmother but I really tried to follow this with my own kids when they were growing up as well. Happy Summer, Karen!