I recently posted this status on Facebook:  “Two beautiful young women walked through my front door a little while ago. The blonde one announced that she is now a high school senior. The brunette claims to be a sophomore. They both insist that I am their mother; clearly that is not possible because my girls are still babies and I am only 29!”   It was the last day of school for my girls and they were so excited about advancing to the next grade level in their education.  For me, it was one of those moments where I saw who they really are and how much they have grown with such clarity that it positively overwhelmed me.  Based on the responses from my Facebook friends, it seems that I am not alone in this experience.  One mom said, “Haha! =) I better not blink!”  My response to her:  “Whatever you do…DO NOT BLINK!  That’s when they grow!” 

I’ve been thinking a lot about this business of “blinking.”  In it’s most literal sense, blinking means “to close the eyelids and open them quickly one or more times, as either a reflex or a conscious act.”  The rate of blinking varies, but on average our eyes blink about once every 5 seconds, or 17,000 times per day.  In general we don’t give much attention to this largely involuntary act.  But the definition that I think of in regards to growing children is this:  “to flash on and off.”  It is in that moment of “off” that change seems to be more noticeable. 

We can find ourselves in “off” mode- that time when our focus is momentarily removed- for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes there is a crisis that demands our attention, but usually it is the busyness of daily life that distracts us. Dishes, carpool, never-ending piles of laundry, financial pressures; attending to the natural needs of a family can be exhausting! 

So how do we refocus?  For me, the key has been to take it moment by moment.  I have to remind myself that there will always be more chores to do, but this particular time with my family will never happen again.  When I am able to stay in the moment, I am able to really enjoy whatever is going on.  I’m certainly not perfect and, all too often, I’ve succumbed to the temptation to do “just one more thing” or get caught up in worrying about tomorrow.  I’m so much less productive when I allow that to happen.

I’ve heard it said that children spell “love” t-i-m-e and, in my experience, I have found this to be true. So, take time to dance in the kitchen.  Sing silly songs at the top of your lungs.  Find a jar to put the cool bug in for the afternoon and sneak up on the butterflies in your yard. Share stories, draw pictures, bake cookies, and build stuff.  Help them set up the lemonade stand in the front yard, even if you’re pretty sure that you’ll be their only customer.  Explore the wonders of creation and, along the way, share with them the love of our Creator. Cuddle, snuggle, nestle, and nuzzle every day.  Most of all, take time to really listen to your children.  You will learn more about them and from them than you ever dreamed possible!

Unfortunately, I can’t prevent my girls from growing up any more than I can prevent myself from blinking.  At this stage in motherhood, I find myself wondering what else I need to give them to be successful as adults. I can honestly say, though, that I don’t have any regrets about the time I’ve spent with them over the years.  Hopefully I’ve been able to stay “on” more than “off.”  Remember, the days are long, but the years are short.  Carpe diem!