filling time
January 6, 2014 § 10 Comments
I have been thinking a lot about the minutes and hours that define pieces of my day. The necessary routines, good intentions, and overlooked opportunities. Infinite lists of things to do and finite amounts of time.
This week my children were gifted an unanticipated extension of their school holiday and I was relieved of the frenzied herding of sleepy children through the morning routine of rushed breakfasts and forced demonstrations of hygiene. Instead we woke when our bodies stirred naturally from the depth of our dreams, ate when hunger interrupted our thoughts, and lingered in pajamas long after a civilized hour. Teeth were brushed and beds were made only as concessions for lazy pastimes.
Today I turned off the volume on my phone, logged off the temptation of social media, and halfheartedly moved through obligatory housekeeping tasks. I failed colorfully at small goals, but reveled in borrowed moments with both children. I let go of distractions and held fleeting moments more closely, mindful that lost opportunities in the present burden the future with a debt against time.
scribblechic 
It’s amazing how we have to keep learning the same lessons over and over again. Luckily, nature will always be around to stop us in our tracks every once in a while — or at least slow us down.
Unfortunate that it takes an abrupt interruption of my routine to highlight the momentum of my distraction and shift my focus inward. It seems my actions are not as consistent as my intentions. Thank goodness for Mother Nature’s gentle reminders and tough love.
Funny how those unexpected moments together can be so rewarding. We have been taking advantage of some snow days and too cold days off from school here as well. The living room has been transformed into a wonderful indoor sports arena–nothing broken yet and I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Sounds like a wonderful retreat from routine. I’ll cross my fingers, too!
I am always amazed by your ability to slow down and find what’s beautiful in the present moment. You are my bodhisattva.
I am not certain I am deserving of such a gracious reference, but the kindness behind the thought is most genuinely appreciated.
Three cheers to extra days off that give us moments to slow down, appreciate, and reflect!
Hip, hip, hooray!
“…failed colorfully at small goals.” Love that! Also, “lost opportunities in the present burden the future with a debt against time.” Oh, how many times have I learned this lesson, and still I need reminding.
One of my greatest frustrations is the rhythm of my mistakes. The repetition of my errors are balanced only by the consistency of my good intentions.