Stop & Smell the Cookies

Sometimes I feel like my life is a constant rush.  From the moment my feet hit the floor until the moment I lay my head down at night.  Rush, Rush, Rush.  My mornings are usually filled with spit-up, poo-filled diapers, tantrums, and tears all while I am trying to make it out of the house on time without looking like I’ve just survived World War III.  Today was just like any other morning, actually it was probably even more dramatic than some, but I got a big wake-up call… 

My toddler was “making cookies” in her kitchen while I rushed around her like a mad woman.  I was running through the house for the 7^th time frantically trying to gather everything I would need to get out the door.  Suddenly, a sweet little voice calls out “Here, mommy, I made you a cookie”.  My immediate thought was “Oh sweetie, mommy doesn’t have time to eat a cookie right now” but when I turned around to say that to her my thought process changed. 

She stood there full of pride...

 

   

 

Her little chubby hands were holding a small, pink plate that had a single, sprinkle-covered cookie she had ‘baked’ just for me.  She was smiling from ear to ear as she held the plate out to me.  The words that came from my mouth next surprised even me “Oh sweetie that sure looks yummy. Thank you so much” as I plopped right down in the floor to enjoy my cookie. She giggled and smiled as I pretended to gobble it down.  I hugged her and kissed her chubby little cheek as I stood up and finished getting ready.

 

I could have lost that moment.  It wasn’t even 2 minutes out of my day and I almost rushed right past it. I almost crushed my sweet girl’s spirit by ignoring her hard work.  How many other moments have I already lost?  How many times have I turned her smile into a frown without realizing it? 

Life is tough.  The days become overwhelming and there’s a never-ending list of things that need to be done that you never find the time to do.  The list continues to grow and the hustle and bustle of life takes hold.  On those days when you are hanging by a thread, when you’ve rushed around cleaning dust, washing dishes, and folding clothes.  When the only warm bath you’ve had is the spit-up that is now dried on your shirt.  When you feel like you are being pulled in so many directions and you just want to sit down and cry… Don’t.  Instead, stop and taste the cookies.  Savor them.  Don’t let the small, tender moments pass you by.  The dishes will get done, the laundry will be fine, and it’s okay if you are a little late sometimes. 

 

Life is too short.

Don't rush through it. 

Enjoy the cookies.