If
you have never had the pleasure of watching an eight year-old with lots
of energy, you're really missing something. In fact, I would describe
him as bouncing that morning. At one point I held him and told him to
look at me, to just stand still and take a few breaths as he was getting
ready to brush his teeth.
Reflecting
on this later I started thinking that, in a different way, there are
many of us adults who have similar behavior. We bounce around from one
thing to another, running here and there, barely taking a breath before
we move on to the next thing.
As I wouldn't advise this for an eight year-old, I likewise would not advise this behavior for us adults.
If
you are running from work, rushing through dinner and moving on to the
next thing, you just might be a bit too busy. It is really okay to cut
something out and slow yourself--and your family--down.
We
have to model this for our children, and while every family looks
different, and has different responsibilities they must fulfill, the
choices we make send them a message.
Sometimes
we work because we have to provide food and shelter, but, if we are
honest, sometimes we overwork because we want stuff. Kids will benefit
more in the long run from just being with their parents, or the adult
who is their primary caregiver.
Take
a close inventory of your family life. Be honest about what you have
to do and what your goals are. Let "more family time" be at the top of
the list and then set out to make that happen.
And
while you are at it, make their spiritual formation a priority, so that
they are raised in a family that is close to God, guided by faith and
inspired by the Holy Spirit. You can start your inventory by asking God
how he wants your family to be. Make time for your faith
community--even if you have to sacrifice a sport to do so.
This may be challenging to do, but who said easy should be our path of choice?
Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
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