I love spending one on one time with my grandsons! But I still believe it's just as important to have that special one on one time with each of my children too. They are all grown up, but I love spending time with them because they are (pardon my brag) fun to be around and we make each other laugh! For Christmas this year my youngest daughter gave me a silver bracelet with this simply written- "Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while...but their hearts forever"
What a great reminder of our privilege to speak into their lives. Our ability to make a forever impression on them can seem like such a daunting thing. Maybe it comes down to the little choices we make everyday. Maybe it means holding them closer or choosing just to listen instead of giving my 2 cents or a life lesson.
I know for me I enjoyed having my mother's undivided attention (yes...I was the baby). Some of my best memories of my mom are really all about the great conversations we would have. I remember once after my mom shared some personal struggles she was going through I thought… "I'm not a good listener...I'm a grown up now...it's not all about me anymore...it's time to learn to listen and give back to my mom– It's time to put some of her good relationship lessons to work and be a better giver to her." I'm only sad that it took me so long to start—
I only had that opportunity for a few more years before cancer took it from us. Today I cherish every conversation. (The good ones and even some of the bad ones) I try to remember everything we said. (So I won't forget) I did have the privilege of sitting by her bedside – counting every precious moment – every single blink meant she knew I was still there – every breath. I had my last opportunity to fill her bucket in anyway that I could. Holding her hand, comforting her with songs, prayers and reading to her. She loved a good arm and foot massage with her favorite lotion. I think she enjoyed the smell more than anything- she said "it was luxurious". I loved that she enjoyed it so much! It's still painful today thinking about our last times together – but I wouldn't trade being there for her for all the world. I have always thought I was there filling her bucket for the last time – but now as I re-tell and remember she is still somehow filling mine – probably smiling saying "I filled yours last!"
The lessons she poured into and lived out in front of me—her graciousness, her gentleness, her kindness, her caring is still there...waiting for me to draw on… waiting on me to pass on to my children—my family and friends... completing another circle. God filled her bucket so she could fill mine… so I could fill hers. Funny how she is still filling my bucket today!
For every time there is a season…
make every season and every moment count!
Business Coach/Trainer
www.Creedteam.com
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