The Ever Shrinking 24 Hours A Day

My kids ask a million questions everyday. I forget that when you're young everything is a wonder.

I thought about this today and why they ask again and again.

My conclusion was that kids like to know what they can always count on.

They are constantly testing this with questions. Just to see if you are listening.

My youngest daughter asks me.... "Mom what's your favorite color?"

I said "Today my favorite color is yellow."

She wanted to know again why I always pick a new color. "Everyday is a new day."

She said "You always say that." We smiled and I asked her why she always wants to know.

"Kids like to know things." she said "I wanted to see if you were listening."  Then she told me about

her day. It's hard to listen when there is too much to do and bedtime is creeping up on you.

Once upon a time I was not listening. I wish I could make up for those lost moments.

My youngest knows she can ask and I'll pick a new color. She knows why and that I am listening.

She walks away happy.  When they walk away happy it's a win! I wish I had stopped more with my

oldest and middle children. I was so busy and tired and rushed.

I am still feeling like I am running out of time. I feel that all of the time.

I struggle to remember I have right now.

Life is moving at such a hurried pace. My oldest graduated and my middle child is half way through

High School. I can't believe time is going by so fast. As a parent I battle the clock everyday.

So I'm making my best effort to stop and listen. Even if it is the same question.

Children and spouses and work and home all have to fit in.

The problem is the ever shrinking 24 hours a day.

Most of us have very similar days to the day I described to you.

Did it sound familiar?

So stop. Listen. Answer the question again.

It might be possible to feel better about the shrinking time. Even if it's only a little.

Just that little change in the way you hurry can make a world of difference.

You can't get time back.

They count on it.