Breathing

We are now 4 weeks into the school year and it feels like we haven't had time to breathe.  Since school started.....we've been to 3 varsity football games (2 of them were out of town); we've only done 1 volleyball game because we quit volleyball in favor of marching band (coach wanted her to make a choice and she did); we've visited the counselor to have a schedule changed; we've celebrated grandparent's day at school; I've served three meals to the band students and attended several meetings for the band boosters, Kids Hope USA, PTO and Missions Committee; attended an open house; watched and prayed as a member of our church family lost his battle with liver cancer; celebrated as another church family member received a liver transplant; and the list goes on and on.

I sometimes wonder how we find the time to breathe.  But we do and life keeps moving right along.  When I reflect and look back over a period time, I think....Wow!!  Then my very next thought is...Thank You God!!  Our lives are full and happy, even though at times we get frustrated and tired.  It's funny but you don't really remember too much of the frustrating times....mostly you remember the happy times.  I've learned that you don't get one without the other.  It's a package deal because we are human.  And humans aren't perfect.  Yes, even Christian humans aren't perfect.  We do make mistakes.....we often say things the wrong way without thinking about the effect our words might have on another person.  We do things, often with the best intentions, that offend others.

In spite of our imperfections, our association with others is what makes our lives complete.  Whether it's being a member of the marching band or singing in the choir, these groups of people that sometimes frustrate us also fill our lives with joy and celebration.  It's the grueling band practices in 90 degree Houston, Texas heat and humidity that make the awards won at the UIL marching competition that much greater.  The heat, close contact and fatigue often adds to the irritability and frustration that we experience with others.  But if we can get past these hurdles and work through our differences, the rewards are that much sweeter.  So when we find ourselves in the middle of an argument, we have to remember to.....breathe.

Back To School

It's that time of year again and as we head back to school, I notice the excitement in the kids all around me. It doesn't matter whether they say they don't want school to start or not, I think secretly most of them are ready for school. Afterall, where else can they find so many different challenges and joys all under one roof?!?!

At my daughter's middle school, the girls are starting cheerleading practice and volleyball tryouts. The band, orchestra, choir, Mathletes and many other groups and clubs are gathering to kick off their year. The boys are already practicing football to get ready for the big game! The other night we were standing in the backyard and could hear the high school marching band practicing. They've already had their first game of the season! There are not many feelings like the thrill and excitement of a football game, whether you're a fan or not. If you're really paying attention, you can't help but feel the energy in a football stadium!

As we head back to school, I often wonder if we can add anymore to our schedules but somehow, someway we make time to do the things that we want to do. Everytime I hear someone say that I just don't have time for that, I think to myself that you will make the time if you really want to. My advice to you is to make the time for the things that are really important. Spend time reading with your children. Have a family game night. Watch a family movie together. If you have teenagers, sit with them at the computer and find out what they like about facebook or whatever it is that they are into. Do it before it's too late! Develop a relationship with your children that will get you through the rough times.

Our children are with us for a relatively short amount of time. By the time they become teenagers, even though they are still living at home, they are starting to define who they are as an individual. This is an important and necessary process on their journey to becoming an adult but they are already pulling away from us. Cherish the time when they are little and take advantage of their unconditional devotion to you. It goes by in a blink of the eye!

Now that the school year has kicked off, this Friday night when you are trying to think of something that you can do with your family - go check out the local high school football game. Sports have long been a tradition in our country and the excitement gleened from a football game is thrilling. The comraderie and bonding that is done during sporting events is priceless!

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!?!