Soothe Your Spirit Sunday: The Importance of Family Time

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles; FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yesterday my wonderful sister-in-law, BlazingBeauty, organized a gathering for those in our family close enough to drive and also for a few friends.

It was just what the doctor ordered.

We gathered around and chatted and talked.  We acknowledged my mother's birthday and had a few of her favorite things to eat.  We had a fabulous, happy time.  I hogged up my 6-month old nephew while everyone else probably grumbled that I was a baby hog.

He's pretty much the cutest and smartest baby ever, by the way.

My darling love was with us, of course, as well as friends of SmartyBro and Blazing Beauty and a friend of MathGeekSis.  It was a perfect little party.

I love being with my family.  They are fun, happy, I can be myself completely, and they aren't bad to look at either.  I love BlazingBeauty's wispy long lashes fluttering against her pink cheeks.  I love SmartyBro's impish smile as he ribs one or another of the attendees at the gathering.  I love Zaneybro's dry jokes and the twinkle in his eye when he smiles.  I love MathGeekSis' enveloping hugs and laughter that rings through the room and fills it with happy.

I've always loved being with my family, but I guess I kind of took a hiatus from it for awhile.  Not completely, but the gatherings definitely dwindled and my willingness to make the time fell into selfishness about keeping my time for me.

I was jolted back into reality about this when my mother passed.  I have had a specific yearning and desire to be with my family more ever since.

My mother always had time for people.  She never acted like she was too busy or overwhelmed for people.  She was often overwhelmed by a lot of things, but never let that get in the way of loving others and making them important.

Make time for your family.  It's worth it. 

The thing I had to realize was that my to-do list would still exist tomorrow; that is not necessarily true for the people we have around us.  The cliche that says, "Life's too short" is actually true.

Cherish today the people around you.  Your family.  Your friends.  Reach out, even if it's a phone call rather than a visit.

("Reach out and touch someone"....that just rang through my head.  AT&T?)

I challenge you today to make a short list of people you "keep meaning" to get in touch with, and write them into your calendar within the next couple of weeks.  Or today if you can. 

Take the time; live without regret and love without reservation.