Today, the June weather wasn’t extremely hot here in Texas, so I decided to load up the boys in the double stroller and get a little exercise. We headed out and I was set on getting a good workout before nap time. Tyson, my toddler, isn’t into riding in the stroller so much anymore. He likes to help me push the baby or explore the outdoors. Half way down the first street, he looks back at me and says, “Out,” as he pulls on his buckle. I calmly reply, “Just a minute, buddy.” This should be an interesting walk. I thought to myself.
The trail that we walk on has a little creek running beside it. Tyson has an obsession with throwing things into the water, fishing, or anything water related actually. So I’m sure you can imagine how challenging it is to keep him in the stroller and not in the water!
After about 10 minutes on the trail and hearing Tyson’s sweet voice asking to get out every other step, I finally stopped and said, “Okay, you can get out.” He practically ran over to the creek. You could see the excitement on his face. If I wasn’t holding his hand, he would have walked right in! Meanwhile, my 8-month-old is lounging in the stroller, content as can be.
As a mom who is very schedule-oriented, it was kind of difficult for me to stop walking and accept the fact that this moment we were having was far more important than burning calories. Did I mention nap time was quickly approaching? In my mind, I was trying to calculate how long naps would be at this point so they wouldn’t interfere with bedtimes. Okay, he can still sleep a couple hours. We will stay another 5 minutes. Relax. I was trying to tell myself to relax! Maybe I’m a little OCD about schedules! I just know my kids have always done better when they’ve been on a schedule.
And then as Tyson and I were finding rocks to throw into the water, a certain peace came over me. I felt God’s presence in the middle of that moment. Suddenly, I was okay with naps being cut short today. God said, “Enjoy my creation with your son, the blessing I’ve given to you.”
After a little while, Tyson got back into the stroller and we continued walking, but stopped often to enjoy more of nature! When we returned home, my husband was mowing the lawn and of course, Tyson wanted to help. And I was okay with it even though it was getting later and later.
I had to realize that spending quality time with my sons was far more important than napping or exercising. Being a mother means providing structure for your kids, but sometimes you just have to let your hair down! The world isn’t going to fall apart if the kids don’t go down at 2 o’clock on the dot!
I thank God for teaching me lessons like this throughout my everyday activities. I don’t always have time to spend with Him, but I know he is with me every step of every day.
Titus 2 