When I write a book I have a thought I keep in mind for every page, "Is there something here worthy to be highlighted?" In other words, if I were reading this book,is there something on this page that would be so moving or thought-provoking that I would feel motivated to get up, go find a highlighter and mark this page? If the answer is no, I re-write the page. If the answer is yes, I smile.
I've tried to carry this concept of a highlight moment over to the way I live and interact with my kids. Having five kids is a big job. I used to feel guilty to not having tons of individual time with each kid everyday. But,I've been released from that guilt by just looking for one highlight moment with each of my kids every day.
Sometimes it is a deep discussion about life. Other times it is a quick little interaction that makes both of us smile. Whatever it is, these highlight moments have been what I ponder as I drift off to sleep each night. This is the stuff I'll think about when I'm older and the halls of my home are quiet. These moments help me live my life with no regrets and I love that!
The other day my highlight moment with Brooke was helping her memorize a selection from her "Primary Language Lessons" book by Emma Serl. It is a poem by Maud Wyman called: "If I Knew." Maybe this will be highlight moment for you today!
If I knew a box where the smiles are kept,
No matter how large the key
Or strong the bolt, I would try so hard
'Twould open I know, for me;
Then over the land and the sea broadcast, I'd scatter the smiles to play,
That the children's faces might hold them fast
For many and many a day.
If I knew a box that was large enough
To hold all the frowns I meet,
I would gather them every one,
From nursery, school, and street;
Then folding and holding,I'd pack them in,
And turning the monster key,
I'd hire a giant to drop the box
To the depths of the deep, deep sea.
May our frowns be few and our smiles be contagious as we live to laugh and love today!
I've tried to carry this concept of a highlight moment over to the way I live and interact with my kids. Having five kids is a big job. I used to feel guilty to not having tons of individual time with each kid everyday. But,I've been released from that guilt by just looking for one highlight moment with each of my kids every day.
Sometimes it is a deep discussion about life. Other times it is a quick little interaction that makes both of us smile. Whatever it is, these highlight moments have been what I ponder as I drift off to sleep each night. This is the stuff I'll think about when I'm older and the halls of my home are quiet. These moments help me live my life with no regrets and I love that!
The other day my highlight moment with Brooke was helping her memorize a selection from her "Primary Language Lessons" book by Emma Serl. It is a poem by Maud Wyman called: "If I Knew." Maybe this will be highlight moment for you today!
If I knew a box where the smiles are kept,
No matter how large the key
Or strong the bolt, I would try so hard
'Twould open I know, for me;
Then over the land and the sea broadcast, I'd scatter the smiles to play,
That the children's faces might hold them fast
For many and many a day.
If I knew a box that was large enough
To hold all the frowns I meet,
I would gather them every one,
From nursery, school, and street;
Then folding and holding,I'd pack them in,
And turning the monster key,
I'd hire a giant to drop the box
To the depths of the deep, deep sea.
May our frowns be few and our smiles be contagious as we live to laugh and love today!
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