I keep hearing, “New Year, New You!” While this sounds so inspirational, already I’m finding that the ‘new you’ is going to require some real intentional effort! For example, I’m determined to be more present with my children. There are so many wonderfully precious moments in every day, but many times I miss them. I’m too busy on my phone, on my computer, in meetings and, before I know it, the day is gone and so is my time! I know that if I am not intentional, I’ll be saying the same thing next year.
This year I want to enjoy every precious moment. I want to be fully available to laugh, smile, joke and cry with my children. I’m reminding myself to put down my phone and look them in the eyes when they speak to me. I also don’t take my phone to the dinner table with me. This way it becomes an established space to talk without the interference of technology. The fact is that time is fleeting. In a few short years, my kids will be engrossed in their own lives, and I’ll be waiving goodbye as they drive away.
As I intentionally make time to be present with my children, it models for them the ability to enjoy life’s moments. I want to show them how to rest and take time away. I want them to see that they can be ‘present’ despite a busy schedule. Most of all, I hope they learn to enjoy life as it comes. Everything won’t work the way we plan, but it will work. This year, I hope to learn and teach these lessons well so that my family and I can live more carefree, fulfilling lives.
