Rhythm

I stood in the kitchen the other day, listening to music, preparing dinner and thinking to myself, "This has been a really good day."

I had spent the day finishing up a few chores, taking my two youngest kids to the museum, reading to them, sending a few e-mails, cleaning my desk, and taking a few minutes for myself.  We had nothing on our calendar that evening.  And, it just felt good.  Really good.

The following Sunday, my bishop (and husband) shared his testimony about finding the right rhythm and harmony in our lives.  He happens to be one of the most sensible people I know.  His eye is always on his and our priorities.  He has a clear sense of what really matters to him, us and our children.  For me, it is easy to get caught up in what I feel pressured into doing with my children.  Or, thinking that it really is possible to do it all. But, really, is it?  Can we be all things, with our kids in all places, doing all activities? Does it really matter?  Where should I place my energy and time?  Soccer?  Baseball?  Music?  Homework?  The Gospel?  What is lasting?  What matters?  (Yes, the answer is obvious...)

Every time I schedule a family member in an activity, it really effects the time and ability I have to do other important tasks and spend time in lasting, eternal activities.  Last May, I went to a Power of MOMS conference with one of my dearest friends (Beck, you rock and you know it!).  Ever since then, I've been implementing many ideas that rooted from that conference.  Little things, like organization skills, chore charts, meal time ideas, etc.  Yes, it has been helpful.  I met many moms there who have bigger families and after asking how they do it, this was their reply:  "My kids do not participate in a lot of extracurricular activities".  In fact, in one instance, the mom allowed her (8) children to only do church activities, after school activities held at the school,  and anything they could walk to.  It was so different than what I was used to, and honestly, refreshing.  Not that I think that mold fits everyone, but the perspective was brave.  Really brave.  There must be those who think she is crazy, or that her kids are deprived.  But, I admired the SIMPLICITY.  It was nice.  There was something so basic and nice about her approach.

It makes me wonder what kind of adults our children will become.  Will there be such a thing as sitting down and doing nothing?  Quietness?  Calmness?  Being Still?  Saying "no" to more and more on the calendar.  And saying "yes" to simplicity.

I want more days of standing in the kitchen, listening to music and thinking, "This has been a really good day!"