Things

Art Buchwald said that "[t]he best things in life aren't things". That saying always catches me. Sure, a rich boyfriend who wants to give me a big diamond ring would be nice. But a average income boyfriend who made me happy and gave me a piece of his heart would be even better.

I remind myself daily that that is what I want to teach my kids. Toys, books, the latest clothes are all nice things. But do you have love? Do you have kindness?

I'm gonna quote the Bible here, but don't be scared. This is my favorite verse:
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. I I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Do you have love?

Picture This

This really only makes sense if you're a parent...

You probably pictured how life would be when you became a parent, didn't you?

You pictured tiny diapers and cute outfits. You didn't quite pictures cleaning up poop at 2 AM and changing outfits 5 times a day because of reflux.

You pictured adorable bedding for the crib, you didn't picture the nights when you both slept in the rocking chair.

You pictured the perfect car seat, you didn't quite picture how'd they scream every time you put them in it.

You pictured watching their peaceful sleep, you didn't quite picture that you'd be watching them sleep, afraid that they'd wake as you left the room.

You pictured the first day they walked, you didn't quite picture that watching them walk would make you cry.

You pictured their first art work, you didn't quite picture it would be on the wall or themselves or the couch, or all three.

You pictured their first day of school, you didn't quite picture how useless it would make you feel.

You pictured how sweet they'd look, but you didn't quite picture that you'd love them so much it literally hurt to look at them.

Of course, life is never quite as we picture it, so why should being a parent any different?