I was headed out the door to the grocery store for a few ingredients for a last minute chili party I decided to host from my parents and siblings. I threw on my shoe only to trip and fall directly into my kids' open sensory bin of dry pasta. URGGGH! The kids were upstairs with my husband so I couldn't exactly blame them. I should have put the lid on the bin when I herded them all upstairs for bath time this morning. I should have been paying more attention to what I was doing. I should have just slowed down because there was no real reason to rush to Walmart at 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning anyways. But I'm imperfect and a little bit of a hot head. I was all queued up to holler about how no one else cleans up but me. I was all ready to vacuum up the noodles and be done with the bin for good. But I didn't. There's something oddly humbling about picking up nearly four pounds of dry pasta on my hands and knees on the kitchen floor by myself that calmed my heart and my temper. I knew it wasn't anyone's fault. It surely wasn't the end of the world. The pasta is back in its bin. (I even crazily bought them another box today at the store because it brings them so much joy!) No one was hurt in my noodle spill. It gave me a good chuckle and a needed reminder to slow down. As I put handfuls of elbow noodles and bowties back in the bin, I thought of all the hours my kids have spent in this beloved and so simple bin. The feel of dry pasta between my fingers was oddly calming. I heard little footsteps on the stairs before I was even a quarter of the way done cleaning. I was ready to yell "Stay clear. Don't come out here." But my three year old wandered up and asked if he could help. Of course, I said "yes." He got out his favorite diggers and utensils to help clean my pasta mess! Pretty soon my husband and our one year old were all down on the floor cleaning up the noodles. Honestly, it was pretty fun. It was like one big family sensory bin!
Such a simple spill brought so much joy to me this morning because I was in the moment, down on the floor, and spending quality time with my kids. I was enjoying their observations, wacky ideas, and questionable cleaning methods. Dear God, Remind me to get down more often on the floor and play with my kids. They won't be this little for long. I don't want to miss a moment. I know I get caught up in the day to day chores and hustle. I forget to enjoy my kids' littleness and curiosity. I forget to be present with them. Give me the wisdom to know what's important and what can wait. Amen.
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Megan is a stay-at-home mom to a stubborn and charming toddler and adorable baby girl. She is a freelance writer who hasn't slept in way too long.. She survives off of the pot of coffee her wonderful husband makes her FRESH each morning and any snack she can grab while keeping up with her little ones. Archives
October 2019
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