So often we let our every day responsibilities consume the majority of our time. I am sure we can all count numerous missed opportunities to just sit down and enjoy the precious little moments because we felt we didn't have time. Our daily responsibilities seem to overwhelm us and may rob us of the opportunity to find joy in the small things which play out in our homes each day.
It can be so hard to just pause and be thankful for our blessings. To watch our children interact with one another. To listen to the recap of their day or the next great imaginative game they are playing. To sit down and read an extra book, play a game, or just sit, snuggle, and talk. I know I am guilty and my guess is you are, too.
How do we go about changing our ways? How do we become more intentional in our every day lives? To be honest, I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I have a few ideas which may help.
1. Designate screen-free time each day. This isn't just about the kids. Turn off the tv, shut down the computer and tablets, and simply spend time together. It doesn't have to be an eternity, but even 30 minutes of uninterrupted time together would make a tremendous difference in all of our lives.
2. Chuck the phone aside. Much like designating screen-free time, set aside a few hours to put the phone away. Let the emails, texts, and phone calls go. They can wait. If you have to, hide it. Sounds silly, but as the old saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."
3. Pencil in some family time. Hit a park, take in a movie, have a game night. Whatever the case, schedule it in just as you would an appointment or meeting. Make this time a priority and follow through with whatever activity you have chosen. Make it a habit to pencil in designated family time each week.
4. Lastly, engage in conversation. Ask questions, share stories, keep the lines of communication open. The best time to do this? During a family meal and at bedtime. In our house dinner can be absolute chaos if we don't intentionally ask questions and steer the conversation in the right direction. We are not consistent, though, and need to make it a point to do this each night. We have learned a lot in the conversations held around the table and in the quiet moments before bedtime. It would be a shame to be too busy and miss them.
I am going to work really hard to abide by these rules. My family is my number one priority and I want them to understand this with absolute certainty. It is so hard to cut out the distractions or take a break from our to-do lists, but our family deserves our full attention. We owe it to ourselves to slow down and make intentional choices that will benefit our whole family and solidify our relationships with each other. I want to model valuing people and relationships over technology, to-do lists, and housework.
Go ahead. Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the small things in life. Those moments will last a lifetime and become our greatest treasures.
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