It’s Friday, which means no one wants to move very quickly. Lunches were not packed while mama was gone last night and shoes were not put away, which means that favorite footwear was unavailable for today’s wearing. The early morning scramble is not my favorite part of parenting.
As the car sped away, I watched out the window to see my youngest two fully clad in baseball attire, ready to start their day. Then out came the soccer ball and the two of them stood together pretending to get team pictures before starting a game. (I’m not even kidding. The cutest thing.)
Sometimes I wonder why we do the things we do. Sometimes “not working” can feel like a bigger burden than employment. Financially, our life would make more sense to have more than a few yoga classes and contract work for income. And, quite frankly, I’m much better with the general public than with small children. I have more patience for the shortcomings of others because I don’t have to take it home and put it to bed.
But a childhood filled with playing in the yard, picnics at a park and trips to the library just seems right. When I think about what “good” looks like – how I know if we’re living a “good life” – days together fit into the picture for our family.
For some families, their weekends together and evenings of baseball tournaments are the best part of the landscape. Others come to see their trips and places they visit as their markers of good. All of these things can be wonderful; my version of a good life need not be the standard operating definition.
However, knowing what you’re aiming for, and recognizing it when it’s happening in front of your very own eyes, might be the most important part. When we sit down to dinner together, I can say, “Yes. Here. This is why I do what I do.”
May we all find markers throughout the days to remind us why we do what we do. May we recognize the life we’re creating and choose to revel in that joy when it opens up before our very eyes.