You know, it can be a cynical world out there. So much goodness and too much sadness. This is a time in my life when the world itself feels a little shaky (I'm specifically referring to the scary economy). I think the last time I felt so terrified for our country was 9/11. Completely different circumstances but the same feeling of helplessness. I live about 45 minutes from NYC, a lot of this town works on Wall Street or in one of the huge corporations we're watching crumble. I'm witnessing firsthand a frightening amount of families under unbelievable stress. Parents dragging their kids out of school because they can't afford it anymore, friends having stress related medical problems, families moving out of town because of affordability...and the list goes on, seriously, it goes ON. Just sad. Really sad times. I know things will turn around eventually but unfortunately, I feel that this really is just the tip of the iceberg. That said, what can you do in this big mess of messes? Well, besides the obvious and being as responsible for all of your financial responsibilities as possible here's what I've learned...again...
I always seem to get back to basics with a stop at the beach. I've said it here before; the beach is my church. Hunter and I went to the playground yesterday and then to the beach. We had so much fun. He was a little madman running around and had me hunched over laughing at one point. God, I love that peanut. Anyway, I got to thinking how nice to be a kid with no worries. Every new discovery is so amazing, you can play all day, eat prepared foods, take a nap if you feel like it (which is almost never), have a bubble bath drawn for you, jammies, books, kisses and tuck-ins. Not too shabby. The thing is, he REALLY appreciates the little things. (Or at least he acts like he does) He thanks me (most times) when I feed him, kiss him, hug him or when I explain things to him. I'm not saying he will stay this way forever (pretty please God?) but it is nice to be reminded of how such little things draw such genuine appreciation. I've been so worried about our house selling (in this lovely economy) and anxious to finally settle here in CT that sometimes I lose sight of the little things that are of the utmost importance. And these "little" things really are the "big" things. That's where the light went off at the beach yesterday. I never totally lose sight of these things sometimes they just get a little blurry for me when I'm worrying about other things. I was watching Hunter run around in the sand just laughing and showing me everything in sight and I had a moment. It was more like a "DUH!" moment. I just remembered how lucky I am that I have such a wonderful family, an adoring husband, and a gem of a son. And to top that off I have a roof over my head, I don't go hungry and I have loyal friends. I guess I'm really rambling here...but in a world of "more, more, more" try not to lose sight of the "you already have". The more you appreciate these things the richer your life is. I'm just sayin'.
10 comments:
He has got to be the most cuddly little boy I've ever seen..Absolutely adorable.
Thanks for writing this. I think we could all take a dose of this good medicine once in a while.
Yes, thanks for writing this.
I know I could take time to appreciate the little things even more and more often.
Wonderfully said.
It's all so true! Great post.
Well it's hard to be sad with a cutey like that around. Thank God for him! I think you're so right. I am working on a post about the very same thing...I'll post it MOnday. Thanks for the change in perspective! xo
That's so true....we all need to remember that during times like these.
And now I'd like to leave the office and head down to the lakefront myself. :)
looovvveee this post, beth. i too have had that insecure feeling. but over and over i have prayed with my kids at night, thanking God for the blessings in our life... house, food, health, clothes, cozy beds, family and friends. we have felt this economy. we will continue to feel it tighten up. but we will get through it... probably with more ingenuity, discipline, and proper priorities.
your boy is so precious. you are blessed to have what you have. and so am i.
Great post! And I needed to hear it today!
Kim
So true, so true...
And this post reminds me what I've been meaning to tell you... I've so enjoyed my *Gift From the Sea* book you recommended that I've given it as a gift to several girls. Thanks!
Fabulous post, I couldn't agree more! And what lovely pictures of your little boy.
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