People Trump Things

A couple of weeks ago, I was trying to 'fit' some time in for myself around housework, childcare, cooking, and the myriad of other tasks that seem to cry out for my attention on a daily basis. I had managed to get both boys to sleep and get some of the 'necessities' done before collapsing onto my bed for a few minutes of R and R (aka listening to my iPod or a bit of book reading) when Joel, my youngest, woke up. I inwardly groaned in dismay because I REALLY REALLY felt as though I needed a break and I hadn't had one and I was tired and to be honest, just a bit pissed off that he'd not slept longer. I sat on my bed for a minute and got 'real' with God. 'I don't know how I'm going to do this! I'm tired, overwhelmed, annoyed, and You know I want to walk in peace, love, and all that jazz but I am truly at the end of myself today and I don't think I have anything more to give out at this minute, especially to my child, who is so dependent on me for everything. How am I supposed to get everything done that needs doing and still keep my sanity?' Not feeling any 'Divine' inspiration at that moment, I got up and walked into his room because I didn't want his crying to wake his brother. As I got him out of bed, this little 'nugget' dropped into my heart. People trump things.

Instantly my perspective became clear and I felt peace return to my emotions. Ah-ha! So that's how it works. Obvious, some may say, but at that moment, it was exactly what I needed to hear to see the forest from the trees again. It's amazing how three words can put so much into perspective. As a full time mother of two very active toddlers, my days sometimes feel like an endless blur of activity and I sometimes struggle to keep my priorities straight. Hearing those words just hit the nail on the head for me. When two or more things are vying for my attention, the one that involves people will always win. Dishes or playing with my sons? Sons win. Watching tv or taking 5 minutes to connect with my husband and see how his day went? Hubby wins. Someone once said that relationships are the only things we will take with us into eternity. I wholeheartedly agree.

Now I know there is a time and place for 'work' and I'm not saying children should run the roost and never learn to entertain themselves, but I know that I can easily become task-focused if I let myself and keeping this little 'mantra' in the back of my mind helps me take a step back every now and then and re-assess what's really important. For me, they are the people in my life. Everything else, no matter how pressing, can either be fit in around my relationships or I will seriously consider whether I need it. If nothing else, it motivates me to be more organised with my time so that I can get the 'things' done that need to be done AS WELL AS spend the time with the people I love.

Three words. Simple, yet they have hugely impacted my life from that day forward and will do so for a long time to come. What's important in your life and are the things you think are priorities REALLY going to matter that much in the big scheme of things?