The thing about the rat race is that even if you win you’re still a rat. – Lily Tomlin
There’s this wonderful little book sitting on the table next to my recliner that, when I’m a good girl, I read with zeal and put right to practice. It’s called The Power of Patience by M.J. Ryan.
The title of today’s post and what I want to share with you was inspired by the passage, Where Are We Hurrying To? By example, it begs the question, “What is so important that we would sacrifice our sanity and serenity to get to “it” or get “it” done without bothering to enjoy the journey?”
My little girl has been dealing with, next to death or serious illness, the most painful thing a kid could experience – divorcing parents – and it’s starting to wear on her. So tonight, when she got home from dinner with her father and had a meltdown because she didn’t want to take a bath without her bathing suit on (yes, Sally, I think she’s met Her Majesty), I quickly soaped her up, rinsed her off, got her dressed for bed and then laid down in the floor with her for as long as my back could stand and colored.
For a lengthy time before bed (and I even put it off a bit) I took direction from her about what color marker to use on what corner of the page. It was the most important moment of my day. Not only did I learn that Tinkerbell actually looks good as a “pink candy fairy”, I gave up my far-from-first-place position in the old rat race and patiently accepted my daughter’s need for love and attention. And, thanks to The Power of Patience I was able to give it to her.
I can’t lie to you; I personally enjoy the rat race. I find challenge exciting. But folks, I don’t want to be that rat that missed out on her baby girl growing up. So, for today, I’m happy to have left the race a little early.
Until tomorrow, I am still here, better late than never, and remain Unstoppable.
Coloring on the floor is good for the soul and heart. I think you filled your daughter up with love. Good mom.
ReplyDeleteYour post brought a tear to my eye. You will always remember this special evening with that fiery redhead of yours. The rat race will still be there tomorrow. You are an inspiration. Keep the faith. All things just keep getting better.
ReplyDeleteI can identify! I was on the phone with a friend one day complaining about not having time to clean the dust bunnies when she said "You can do that later but your baby is growing fast, play with her now!"
ReplyDeleteBoy, that stung but I heard her loud and clear. When I became a single mom, I had to give a lot up (even insisting that every bath be taken completely naked) and accept that good enough was, well, good enough!
Keep up the good fight (and good writing).
Susan
Sounds like time perfectly spent. I hope you carve out a similar spot on the clock today.
ReplyDeleteYou'll never have this time with her again, and she'll always remember this. This is similar to one of my favorite memories with my own mother, one she doesn't recall herself, because to her it was a throwaway moment. To me, it was treasure.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing is, you recognize it too.