Monday, August 20, 2007

A nod to the man I love...

I read an article today in Parent's magazine that talked about the importance of creating unforgettable moments. Now, I must admit, I am not always THAT parent. Unfortunately, I tend to lean more towards the safe side. You know the type (chances are if you are a mom, you play that role too!) I am usually the one saying things like, "don't do that, you'll get hurt", "get down from there", "oh, honey, that's not safe." On the flip side, Other Guy is the one who encourages those moments. He wants to see how high they can jump, how fast they can run, how much fun we can have without crossing the "dangerous" line. Sometimes my maternal role oozes over to him too and I have a tendency to leave him with a crushed spirit and a disappointed look on his face.

After reading that article today though, I realize that (dare I say it) he may just be right. I don't always want the girls to be scared to try things because mommy said they would get hurt. I want them to experience new things. I want them to have the memories of their mom and dad being silly just to see them smile. I don't always want to do things just because that is the way it should be done. I want to play chase in the house even though every fiber in me wants to say the classic mom statement of "no running in the house dear!"

My prayer is that I might learn to let go a little, you know be more like Other Guy.

Kelly Clarkson co-wrote a song that really touched my heart and I don't want the girls to one day grow up and be able to relate to these lyrics. "Because of you, I never strayed too far from the sidewalk, because of you, I learned to play of the safe side so I won't get hurt."

Lord, help me to find that balance. Help me to allow my children to experience new things without fear of the unknown. Help me to zip my mouth shut when my husband is making those moments with our children. Most of all, help me to be a "funner" mom and a more understanding wife. In Jesus name, Amen

Peace Out!