Confetti!

“RrrrriPPP!”  The pieces of paper my toddler hands got a hold of was instantly torn in several pieces.  It doesn’t take long for his tiny, curious hands to grab a hold of something before I realize his destruction project is underway. 

Some things do seem to just slip through our fingertips and glide right by our noises don’t they? 

I have been feeling a bit sentimental lately; and I’m not sure exactly why?

It could be a culmination of all the change that has occurred close to my heart this last year; and the seemingly faster pace of these minute hands on the clock called life.

It could be that it is just this season of summer and I feel the urge to soak up the joy with my boys.  The desire to spend my time and energy on the things that matter the most to me…my boys.

This week on Girlfriendit Radio, Patty and Lisa chatted with Wm. Paul Young, the author of the Shack.  Young talked a lot about focusing on what matters most and I was so encouraged to not look at what I desire to do right now with my boys as another item on my to do list but look at our time together as an “adventure.” There were so many other great take-aways from listening to Young…you can download the podcast and listen here.

As a little girl, adventures always scared me; but slowly—God has been transforming my heart into a girl seeking adventure.  It began almost 20 years ago when I met my husband and discovered who Jesus was too.  I literally jumped in with both feet.  And, I am thankful for the memory my husband I created late one night at the lake; with a full moon over head and the calm still lake below as we stood at the edge of the cliff…yes this little girl once scared of adventure and unfamiliar with embracing the pure thrill of letting go was learning to embrace the unknown while holding the hand of her man!  

I want more of this…and although I am not thinking of trekking up the cliff at the next full moon—I am thinking about embracing the adventure of this summer with my boys. 

Some girlfriends who have watched their own boys turn into men recently shared some great ideas:

*midnight chats (plop myself on their bed before we say good night and just listen)

*hugs (the power of touch to communicate love)

*pray (huddle up and pray with them)

*memorize scripture with them  (plant the seeds of truth)

*laugh with them  (good times…games…story-telling)

Years ago, my boyfriend, now husband had a great idea to take me cliff jumping; and this summer I want to follow suit with some more adventure with my growing boys.    As I stare at the multiple pieces of torn paper—I want to see confetti and choose to throw it up in the air—rather than just toss it away.  Who knows...this kind of attitude may just lead us to cliff jumping together some day-ha! 

I would love to hear your ideas too…what are you doing to embrace the time with your kids this summer?