“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Dear Parents,

I am honored to be writing you after such a long period of time. I have missed offering my take on the parenting journey, sharing with you struggles and triumphs and yet … sometimes the longest roads in life produce the most lasting life lessons and peace. I have first hand knowledge of just how long and bumpy a road can be; the toll it can take and the emptiness that waits…if you don’t instead choose the peace that can come.

With our world changing so dramatically, day by day; from dealing with high gas prices, to an uncertain ecomomy, and a war half a world away, it can be difficult to find a place of rest in our hectic days. When I lay my head on my pillow come Friday night I have to wonder what happened to Tuesday through Thursday!

I want to offer some thoughts of encouragement to you and your family. Time is short and our kids grow so quickly. Take some time this week to read a book together, watch a DVD or simply lounge around and talk about whatever. Play a good old fashioned board game, like Sorry®. Make some chocolate chip cookies together.

Try, just for one day, not to worry about tomorrow for we all know that tomorrow has enough worries of its own. There is peace to be found, joy to be had…it’s just time to change how it is brought about in our lives and that begins with each one of us.It’s a choice we make; a yearning that wells somewhere deep inside…a yearning for something just a little different than status quo…

One of my favorite lines for life is from Ferris Beuller’s Days Off (did I just date myself?? ) :: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Life is life. The pace only picks up the more our families grow up but if we carve out time to slow down and spend the time, the memories will last a life time.

I hope with the waning winter weather, you and your family can find rest in lazy weekend afternoons. Relax with some hot cocoa and don’t miss this moment.

Best To You,
Michele Shepherd

Posted by: parent2parent | 03-26-2008 | 03:03 PM
Posted in: Parent 2 Parent Column | Comments (1)