A prayer for life passing us by

Don't we forget, so quickly? We are in such a hurry that we rarely stop to breathe, to take in a moment... And so many moments are far too precious to waste. I look at my children and think of misplaced memories, hopes, and dreams. I forget what I am here for. I lose sight in the midst of the dishes and the bills and fourteen loads of laundry. There are only a few short years that we are given to instill the best of us into our babies. Heartbreaking to think my son is already three. Did you know that the first three years of a child's life sets the foundation for their emotional and social well being? It is crucial to their development that they be cuddled, and that a lack of nurturing can cause severe  mental damage. Keeping that in mind, why are some days so difficult to just breathe deep and allow our current moment, this gift God has given, to take hold of our hearts and overflow joy into the life of our kids! I know nap time is always the highlight of the day- but, what if it wasn't? What if the highlight was a most innocent squeal of joy, or a "Mommy, I love you!" What if stopping whatever we are doing and placing our little one's heart as top priority really did make our day easier and more satisfying.  All they really want is to see that we are pleased with them and I am finally learning just how important this is. I am so thankful that I have grasped on to every opportunity I have seen to show affection to my two ( every moment they were in decent moods :))Just want to challenge myself and everyone to spend five more minutes each day looking them in the eye and giving them undivided attention. I could definitely grow in this one! Especially with my one year old. She is so sweet and quiet that my three year old commands all my energy so little is left for her. We are working on balance.  After all I only get one shot at raising two other human beings! God has trusted me with these two amazing little people and I never want to imagine that they could possibly grow up feeling anything less than cherished!

Dear Lord please help me to handle my frustrations in a healthy godly way and not in a way that may damage the relationship I have with my children. Help me to see them like you see them and love them like you love them. Thank you for these perfect blessings and please lead me in making them feel like they are blessings so that their light may shine for others. I also pray that you show me how to treasure every second I am with them so I am confident in loving them the best I possibly can. Help me to keep you first so that they learn from me who You are. I pray in Jesus name all these things. Amen.