Little Things
Parents deal with lots of big issues, like teaching our kids about abstaining from addictive substances, remaining sexually pure, learning to forgive themselves when making big falls, and planting their feet on the right path. It can seem overwhelming sometimes.
The good news is, not all of our responsibilities are big, tough ones. Many of them are about little things, and even many of the big issues can be dealt with in little pieces over time.
Some of them are even fun, like crawling on the floor with your 18-month old, rolling a ball with your two year old, and jogging with your teenager. Big things? Maybe not, and they are certainly fun. But add all these little things up over 18 years, and they add up to a lifetime. Looking back, we realize that these truly were big things.
And in the exercise of the little things, we wind up taking care of many of the big ones, too.
What "little things" do you have planned with your kids this week?
Warren Baldwin
6 comments:
Very true. As a lady I know once put it, "my kids won't necessarily remember how immaculate the house was or what I made for breakfast, but they will remember when I took time to [insert "little" thing]" and I think that's very true. It's good to provide for your family and keep a neat house and whatnot but if you let that get in the way of your relationships, it's all wasted. Growing up, I remember my parents' love. Not how much dad made (or didn't make :P ) nor whether mom made perfectly healthy meals from scratch everyday (or didn't :P ) but I do remember the fun little things we did and the times we spent together. That's what really makes a lasting difference :)
My daughter just came by to pick something up. I walked out to the car to say hi to my grand-girls and the littlest one was in tears. When I asked what was wrong she said she missed me. Awww... So I gave her lots of hugs and kisses. Little things do have big purposes.
L.E. - That lady who told you that was/is a wise woman! Thaks for sharing this quote for other readers.
Edie - Now those little things are the big things!
Great post!
We just took our spring break and did lots of "little things" with our kids. Just staying up a little later to talk one-on-one with a child is priceless!
Sonya
"Whoever can be trusted with very little, can also be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little, will also be dishonest with much."
Children, like money and possessions, are gifts given to us by God to steward. Awesome reminder Warren!
Sonya Lee - I remember those trips with our kids, and miss them!
Stacy - I just read that we raise our children to leave. The thought is hard, but true, and helps keep us oriented toward what is best for them. And we'll get to have them as equals through all eternity!
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