Category: Different Moments

The weather in Central Illinois has suddenly and dramatically changed.  We’ve gone from a couple of the hottest days of the summer last week, with temperatures above 102 with 95% humidity – to evenings touching down near 50 degrees this week.  We still need rain, even though I’ve enjoyed not mowing for just about 2 months now.  But the weather has provided a nice change in pace in regard to “outdoor times”.
We moved into our new home in mid-April, and it was well into the summer before the new house felt more like our home.  So we are experiencing great weather without the stress of “setting up home” in many ways for the “first time”.  The heavy blanket of summer heat has finally lifted.  It gives us a chance to slow down life, and change pace not only with what we’re doing, but where we are doing it.  I like it.

More than once this past week, we’ve taken our quiet evening moments (okay, some not so quiet, as giggles drift down the street) outside to the porch.  Sipping hot chocolate with our kids, or just enjoying a bit of “Favorite Part of the Day” discussions, it has been beautiful time of slowing our pace.  I blame my wife for this, as my natural tendency would be to continue to “check things off the list” of what needs to be done before we fall asleep.

As we go around the circle, asking “What was your favorite part of today?”, we mentally go through everything the day held.  Yesterday there were an amazing number of great experiences.  It was our oldest daughters’ first day of homeschool.  The day began with new activities/projects, and amazing rainbow waffles my wife worked on late into the night to perfect.  They even had a field trip on the first day of school, and took pictures of Addie’s “favorite things”.  So when we asked the question, we waited, anticipating the moment she would declare “Favorite Part”, and we would know all that effort was not in vain.

Her response?  “Mmmm, hot chocolate!!”

Often we get that kind of response.  Whatever the most immediate source of smiling on the time-line of “today” is, wins the award.  Our children can be great reminders of “living in the moment”.  Usually we see this in regard to not worrying so much about tomorrow, but it also extends into the past.   The pains and the joys from the past day are not worth as much as this moment, sipping hot chocolate on the porch with my family.

May God continue to use our children to remind us to slow down our pace.  May we let go of controlling tomorrow, and being controlled by yesterday, that we might enjoy this moment and be fully present with those we love…

We’re learning that just as important as regular “date nights” with each other, my wife and I should have times with our daughters as individuals.  It gives us time to talk, and gives them an opportunity to have some one-on-one time with a parent – which is great for both of us.  (Also, it’s more than a little fun to be able to wake THEM up in the morning….:P)

Recently, I took Addie out for a “Daddy Daughter Date” on the morning of her 5th birthday.  I will confess, I wasn’t ready for what she shared with me.  It was almost too much, and I gasped as the gravity of what she shared hit me full force.   We were talking about random things, just enjoying being together and waiting for our food.  When finally she said, “Daddy, I had a funny dream last night!”

“Really?” I smiled.  “What was it about?”  I was expecting a short story about a talking chipmunk, or her flying through the air and into the water as a Mer-Fairy (don’t get me started on Mer-Fairies).  Boy, was I wrong.

“I don’t want to say it loud, I’ll come whisper it to you.” She said.  I smiled back at her again.  Such a cute five year old.  She grabbed her cup of chocolate milk, and scooted out of the booth.  Sliding up next to me on the bench, she cupped her hands over her mouth and leaned in close…and shared a “silly” dream where in it…she kissed a boy.

I wish I could go back in time, and change my immediate reaction.  It was not a laugh.  It probably wasn’t even a smile.  It was a large eyed, slack-jawed, gasping for air…whoa-ment.  (that’s short for a “whoa” moment)  Did God and all of creation conspire to force me into a new level of parenting on the exact date my daughter turned 5 years old?  How in the world….?

Quickly I realized she may be embarrassed (she was), and I put on a huge fake smile, hugging her close while fighting back any fatherly tears that might threaten the moment.  “Boy, that was a silly dream, eh?  You’re not a married grown up!!  Haha!!” I said, probably through too much enthusiasm.  She bought it.  Her smile back confirmed that yes, that was a bit of silliness, and it’s nothing she’ll be pursuing anytime soon.  Crisis averted.

Yesterday I took our middle child, Sophie, out for a “Daddy Daughter Date”.  I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous when it came time for conversation.  What new comment that screamed “I’m growing up!” would she launch my way?  Thankfully, it was all smiles and talking about playing with her friends.  Whew.  Though I did learn that the McDonalds with the “Hangerburger Chairs” also has a small video game screen for kids.  That means we probably won’t be going there anytime soon for a date.  Which is fine, because I found a small place close by that has fresh donuts, and opens at 6am.  We’ll have “Daddy Daughter Donut Dates” from now on, hopefully.  Unless a free birthday meal is in order. 🙂

Imagine the emotional roller coaster God must be on, watching you and I learn and grow!