Today I was doing what I seem to be doing, or at least attempting to do every day: cleaning the house. I had just about finished up wiping down the last dirty kitchen counter top when Ava came over and asked me if I would dance with her. I had the country music going from her request earlier for "cowgirl music". I glanced over at the tea pitcher sitting in the sink. All that was left was that single, solitary tea pitcher, that needs to be washed by hand, and the kitchen would be complete.
I was about to tell her, "I really need to finish cleaning and then I'll come play." Instead, I decided to put down the rag in my hand and go dance. How fitting that the song on was "My Little Girl " by Tim McGraw? There is a part in the song that goes "Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown." Gosh, isn't that the truth. Gia was sleeping in her swing right next to us and it almost made me want to cry because it seems like just yesterday that was Ava so small and tiny.
So many things lately really seem to be giving me the lesson that "life is so short". The Virginia Tech shootings that happened this week just break my heart for the victims and their families and friends. My heart and prayers go out to all of them. Last Sunday in church Pastor Todd talked about Jesus coming back and how it could be next year, next month, next week, tomorrow, tonight, today, or this second. We just don't know. Are you ready? Do you know where you are going?
He also used a popular quote we have all heard, countless times, to the point where it is such a cliche that no one really takes it seriously anymore "Live today like it was your last". Songs have been written about this, usually country songs (If tomorrow never comes, Live like you were dying, etc). Only he added something to it that made it real. He said "Live today like it was your last because one day you will be right".
This is why I stopped what I was doing to dance with my daughter and to play with my kids. So what if in the next couple minutes someone I know shows up at my house and it's not spic and span. Many moms and wives too often we get consumed in making sure the house is perfect, and often get stressed out trying to get it that way. I know I do (all the time, Steve would add), and in turn it makes me dismiss opportunities to get down and play with my children. It also makes me stressed out, irritable and moody. Getting stressed over this is so silly especially knowing how fast time seems to be flying lately. So I say: so what if your house isn't perfect, so what if you have a pile of laundry sitting on your bed that really needs to get put away before tonight comes and your husband absentmindedly tosses it on the floor, so what if Ava's pajamas and two princess dresses that she has changed in and out of today are in the middle of the floor, it's not the end of the world (yet)!
So I encourage you to put down the mop, turn up the music, grab your kids and dance. Be silly, enjoy life. "live today like it was your last because one day you will be right!!!".
