Rushing
Submitted by: Kenda

Always in a rush....most of us complete our daily tasks in a constant rush in order to cram it all in one day. To complete everything in the amount of time that we are awake. Sometimes we sacrifice sleep to accomplish all that we desire. Sometimes we sacrifice special moments with those that we love for the "greater good". Should we.........?

Absolutely NOT!

The other day I woke up late! Not unusual in our house, but just stay with me. I woke up a little later than I normally do. I had 15 minutes to get my oldest child up out of bed, dressed for school, snack packed, teeth brushed, hair brushed, jacket on, and get her out to wait for the school bus. All of this in 15 minutes!!!

When she walked out the door, she rushed down the steps, tripping on the bottom step. She did not fall, but my heart skipped a beat. (Cement steps) She got all the way down to the end of the drive and at this point I feel as though I had forgotten something. As if I had forgotten her snack or something. It was definitely a feeling that something important was missing.

Just a side note: We live in a rural community.

My oldest then walks backwards up our drive and then turns and runs back up onto the porch. Did she remember what was forgotten? NOPE....

She was afraid that the cow that was across the street (it had gotten out of the fence) was going to run across the street and get her. I then remembered what had been so hastily forgotten.....and I was ashamed that I had allowed our fever paced race to deprive she and I of such a wonderful moment. I had forgotten our goodbye kiss and hug. Most of all, I had forgotten to tell her that,....I love her.

I hugged her tight, I kissed her (our special kiss), and held her face in my hands and looked her in the eyes and told her that the cow would not hurt her and that I LOVE HER very much! She smiled the most wonderful smile and with a soft chuckle said, "OK mommy and I love you too!"

She turned and slowly left the porch and carefully and safely walked down the drive. As she found herself at the end of the driveway, the bus stopped in front of her, blocking the cow. Allowing her safe passage to school. The point of the story is to never, ever forget the special moments. Never be rushed to the point that you forget what is most dear. When we take a moment and pause, and have our special time, even if it is one minute out of our busy day, the rest of the day and our lives will flow smoothly and safely along.

Don't rush..........love your kids and tell them everyday!!!