The morning rush.

The afternoon rush.

The evening rush.

If you’re anything like I am, you are constantly telling your little one to put on that jacket a little faster or that there is no time to stop and stare at a sidewalk crack and sometimes it’s just easier to carry them to the car instead of enduring their slow walks.

However, here I am constantly complaining about how fast time is flying by while at the same time I complain about how long it takes them to put down a “really pretty” dried up leaf they found outside.

One evening, my son took my hand and led me to our living room window, sat on the floor, and started listing off what he saw. He suddenly stopped talking and his eyes just shifted back and forth examining the outside world while he took a deep breath. He rubbed his tiny nose with his pudgy hands. The look of concentration told me he was soaking in all the sights. After a few beats, he turned to look at me, smiled, and wrapped his arms around me in a long, warm hug. I wiped away a tear and we went back to playing with his toys. My heart was so full in that slow moment. 

What have I missed because I rushed getting out the door or hurried to get bath time over with or even rushed precious play time to move on to the next thing?

Ever since I gained the title of Mommy, I have always said I wish time would slow down. I never realized that I do have the ability to make that happen.

I can slow down.

I can give my child the extra thirty seconds it takes them to zip up their jacket because it gives me the chance to see how with a little determination, they can accomplish tasks if they put their mind to it.

I can give my child the extra minute it takes them to examine the sidewalk crack because it gives me the chance to hear their excited, squeaky voice describe the type of bug they saw crawling inside it.

I can give my child the extra two minutes it takes them to walk to the car because it gives me the chance to soak in how they smile when they walk because life is simply so wonderful.

Children are at total peace; but that peace disappears the instant I begin the rushing ritual. By taking just a small portion of my time, my love and appreciation for them grows deeper because I’ve been able to observe how deliberate and careful my children can be. It only takes a few seconds to be reminded of their innocence, curiosity, and happiness for simple things. Instead of watching the clock, I’m watching my child and these are the moments in time I truly cherish.