It was a simple card, splattered with blue ink and a stick-figure drawing.
But it was just the thing I needed to read this week as a hectic work schedule and juggling of activities had me worn out at both work and home.
My daughter had found a “Get Well Soon” card at the newspaper office, and she decided to scribble me a short but heartfelt note.
“I love Mom. I like when we hang out and I love her very much.”
Under those sweet words, Elsie drew a picture of us, holding hands and smiling with a few hearts floating above our heads.
That small note really changed my mindset in the midst of balancing all kinds of “to-do” lists out in my head.
Hanging out…my time with my kids is far more important than money and material things.
I am sometimes guilty of feeling that I can make up for my time at work or my time spent shuttling my kids to a variety of extracurricular activities and sports by buying them something. Granted, a treat or toy is fine as a reward. But I have to begin setting a boundary for myself.
Like many mothers, I am exhausted by the time I get home from work. After checking homework, cooking supper, cleaning the house…all I want to do is get in my pajamas and fall into my recliner.
And I am being honest with you my readers…my go-to answer to occupy my children? I promise them a new video game or toy if they behave themselves for the rest of the night. I’m ashamed to say it, but when I’m exhausted sometimes it’s almost like I’m bribing my kids to let me relax for a little while.
After reading Elsie’s short but powerful note, I am going to try a little harder at home to start opening my arms more and my purse less.
It was Abigail Van Buren who said, “if you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money.” That quote stuck with me that afternoon after I received Elsie’s note.
Sure, I have a demanding job that needs to get done. But I would like to start leaving my work at the office and not let it sink into my home through emails and constant stress. When I arrive in the door of my home, I should be there mentally and physically for my children.
Working long hours can bring a feeling of financial security. And granted, let’s not deny that the money is needed to survive. But I should be willing to sacrifice those materials items.
The best thing I can provide to my kids is not the latest video game or Lego set. The best thing I can give them is my time and love.
The thought remained with me as I made my way home from work that evening. I tended to my usual routine at first. I checked homework, made supper and did one load of laundry.
Then I sat all three of my kids down and read them a book. Then I had them read a book back to me. I had a tickle-fest with my youngest son Jase. I looked over Elsie’s artwork with her. And I took my 10-year-old “too cool for affection” oldest son James and sat him in my lap as he read his book to me. This time, he didn’t fight sitting in Momma’s lap.
I know I will fail again from time to time. The temptation to grab my wallet will almost certainly happen.
But like most Mommas I know out there…I’m trying. I don’t have it figured out. I am not perfect, nor will I ever be. But I am trying because I just want my kids to be happy and loved. And yes, I want them to turn out OK.
That cheap, forgotten card in the office was used by Elsie to give me a lesson I needed to hear. That tiny, six-year-old girl is smarter than I thought. She’s smarter than me sometimes it seems.
She taught me it’s better to provide than spend. And time is the greatest commodity.
