The Pink Balloon

I see three -make that four- books scattered across the floor. A little bit of dirt lies beside the big flower pot. It is ten to five and supper waits to be completed. Some grated carrots sit in the fridge, untouched, and my raspberries and beans wait to be picked.

I have been longing to empty the steps full of “don’t need anymore” items ever since we’ve moved back into our kitchen. An inviting book lies beside my nightstand for a short refreshing break and I haven’t gone biking since July. Cheery battery candles were removed from the windowsill behind the couch… the only explanation is that we have a one year old in the house. Frozen tomatoes sit in the freezer waiting for some far off day and all day long I’m trying, trying to get at these things.

Negative thoughts crept in.

And then the pink balloon happened.

It wasn’t anything phenomenal, just a little girl giggling with her pink balloon. Her spontaneous laughter sparked the interest of the Little One and soon shrieks of laughter filled the house.

Funny how such little things can shift our mindset.

“THIS is what it’s all about,” I told myself. The cobwebs in my brain cleared as I joined in the fun. Sparkling eyes were my reward. Life is pure joy when Mom takes the time to play!

And so I sit and write. I am purposely ignoring the work and taking time to live. Really live. I must not take my eyes off the things that truly matter. I will always have work to do, but I will not always have these little ones.

Thank God for pink balloons!