Have you lately?

When is the last time you sat down? No I don't mean getting off your feet for two minutes to eat dinner, or to even watch a much deserved TV show.

I mean when is the last time you stopped and looked around. What do you see?

I'm guessing you probably see a cluttered or messy house/living room/kitchen. You may see dishes to do, laundry that needs to be done, bills to be paid, you may see a calendar telling you a homework assignment is due in two days, or you may see a schedule that keeps you on your toes.

But have you looked past that? If you are like most, if you are like me, you most likely have not.

I just went to lay down Lissy Cakes for her nap. I decided, since the baby was sleeping, that I would lay in Alia's bed with her for two songs. As I took a breath in, I could smell her clean sweet hair, I pulled her little body a bit closer to me, and I am reminded...she turns 4 Wednesday. Four. Where has the time gone?

Yes some of it has provided some memorable times, like playing, vacations, giggles and smiles, hugs, excitement. Maybe even a few tantrums of memorable status. However, most of that time, my time, my time with her, has gone to the above mentioned.

We are so programed to worry about what we think others want to see, by what we think a good standard of living is, that we forget to slow down and see our children, yes our children! We see them every day, yet we don't see them, see them as God sees us, a one and only. They will not be like this for long, and when it is gone, it is gone.

Each stage of life is wonderful, however we need take a time out to stop and appreciate each one as it comes, revel in the miracle of life, revel in the miracle that God has given us to care for on this earth.

While there is something to be said about de-cluttering, keeping sanity, healthy living, learning, schedules and life in general, there is also moderation. Everything with in reason. Anything can become a new god to us, anything, even a healthy lifestyle. I am not saying don't be healthy, but I am saying that healthy also mean taking time out. And taking it often!

Is it really worth it to have all that you think you desire, only to find out you miss the little mis-pronounced words, the super snugly hugs, the "mommy will you play horses with me?", the "what is?", the fascination at a new learned objective, the dances, and the all around little giggles of a tiny life?

Yes I have stopped dead in my tracks today to play dolls and horses, and to lay with my beautiful daughter. The one that God decided I was destine to mother. The one God trusted her emotional, physical and overall well being with.

So from now on I am going to try to press pause, and press it often, (it won't wear out you know!) forget all the cleaning that won't go to the grave with me and cherish my beautiful daughters first!