Busy for What?

I'm an avid goal maker and I've kept records of monthly goals that I've set for the past two years. Don't worry, I'm not "super-something" I'm much better at making goals than I am at achieving them. However, having a plan is in my DNA so I have plans... in an organized binder. Sheezh.

Anyway, in March I looked back at the Aprils/Mays of 2012 and 2013 and found that I didn't really accomplish much. I wondered why and thought I would take 2014 to try and figure it out.

Here it is, May 5th, and I've got the answer. Everything winds down for me during those two months, every extra curricular, that is. We have parties, plays, sports, graduations, work events, birthdays - you name it, we cram it all into April/May. Usually every weekend is full and I move from one major event to the next, wondering when I will catch a quiet moment.  I start resenting all that needs done to pull of the next big thing, when I really just want to spend a little one on one with those I love. Needless to say, goals don't stand a chance.  Sure, some of the busyness is self-imposed. Spring arrives and you just want to do something!  I just have too many somethings to do!  It seems many women I know feel the same way.

We long for summer days, thinking that life will slow down, but then you'll hear us in September wondering where all those summer days went.

I have to admit, I'm kind of sick of waiting for life to slow down. Life happens and with kids it's usually at a frantic pace. The laundry and cooking are always beckoning, throw in some sickness (love ya' allergies) and end-of-year events where everyone is appreciated with a homemade gift and it feels like the pace we find at Christmas! However, in May there isn't a sparkly tree to enjoy before collapsing into bed.

I find I just want to make some meaningful memories. The typical end-of-school-year traditions help us track time, but how many award ceremonies can our photo albums hold? As adults we more than likely don't have our childhood trophies and or fabulous memories of closing ceremonies. Obviously, I enjoy seeing my kid's participate, but I don't want to fill up all my time with activity that doesn't have lasting meaning. That includes my goals, too.

I want to be purposeful and personal when thinking about what I really want to spend my time doing. I want to have friends over, make smores around the campfires, lay on a blanket and look at the stars. I want to make homemade lip gloss and play dough. I want to read books with two tween girls who snuggle their just-showered wet-heads against my shoulders. I want to turn OFF the tv. I want to ride a tractor and listen to inspiring Christian music so when I get off all sweaty and dirty, I just don't care because I've spent time in worship. I want to be brave and swim in the pool even when it feels like an iceberg should be floating by.

Life. I just want to create memories that we all will cherish. I don't want to let another month go by where I've faced all that's come at me, but I can barely remember anything that was worth cherishing.  I want to enjoy my family and friends.  I want to enjoy life.