reality check

i often wonder if i'm a good "stay at home mom" candidate.
i'm anxious all day long, run around in circles most of the time, and worry too much about keeping a perfect house.
(which i never accomplish .. when will i figure that out!?)
because of all that, i feel like i often neglect doing what i really need to be doing .. loving on my boys.

when i was going through some family pics last month i found a piece of paper that looked like something i should read.
so i put in my calendar and thought ... "i'll get to this when i have time to think."
turns out that "time" was a whole month later.

anyways it's amazing how the Lord puts things in your face when you need them.
this poem is just what i needed today.
it made me really sad to read it and relate to it so well.
at the bottom of the piece of paper was a hand written note from one of my mom's dear friends that said,
"nancy, remember our cry?"

it's called "To My Grown-Up Son"

My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me, please, to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later, son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door,
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, and years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast,
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no children's games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now lie still,
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do,
The little things you asked me to.