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Having my cell phone with me is nothing out of the ordinary. I have it with me pretty much at all times. I mean you can't miss any calls, text, new posts, or anything like that. It has become a part of my daily routine. Running around hustling with the kids with my phone in hand. My youngest is in pre-school so she only goes to school 3 days a week. On this day she asked for me to take her to play. So off to the park we went. At first I figured she can run around and play while I get some work done. It would be a nice break from the constant asking for snacks, and mom....mom...mom I usually hear all day. So as I am settling into the park bench with coffee in hand (of course) and phone on and ready, my daughter starts saying "mom, look what I can do", "mom watch me". I looked up quickly and said "oh great job" and returned to my work. I'm sure most of us at times do this, we are far too occupied to really take notice. My daughter comes over to me and says "mom, you're not watching me" so I in turn said of course I am sweetie! She said "well how can you be watching me if you are always watching your phone?"................ I was speechless. What can I really say to this precious little girl of mine, she was right. I wasn't really watching, I was pre-occupied. I was there physically but mentally I was thinking of all the things I needed to get done that day. She knew I wasn't all there and it mattered to her. Then of course I felt horrible, how could I be there and be so absent. I stared at her beautiful, innocent little face and realized that being physically there isn't enough. So I put my phone down and got on the slide with her. Her face lit up in such a way that it made all my other thoughts vanish. Her happiness was so simple. I found so much beauty in her simple smile and all I had to do was be there. Engaging in what she likes to do. Asking her questions, talking about what she likes and how much fun she thinks the swings are.
Her favorite was seeing me get on this tiny slide. She would not stop laughing. We were only there for a few hours but it meant so much to her that I put everything aside to be with her. I have 3 children so getting alone time with each child is few and far between. I know now that it's the quality of the time spent together that matters. I don't want to miss out on the simple beauty and wonders that are happening everyday before my own eyes, my children. They are God's gift to me and I will make sure that I cherish it.
It's hard to not get caught up in other things. There's work, house, friends whatever it is that's occupying our time. I feel truly blessed to be able to be a mother. It's a job that goes unnoticed but with the biggest reward. I don't want to miss out on this beautiful life I have been given. I want to make each day matter to my children, even if it is just talking or coloring. I want my children to know that I am present, physically and mentally. They are worth my time and deserve my undivided attention. So I challenge parents to put the phone down and engage with your children, get to really know them. Study their faces, their smile. I don't know how much time I have here on this earth but while I am here I will observe all it's simple beauty! #yesputtingmyphonedown
 My daughter is always rocking her crown wherever she goes! |  |
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