I am sure that as the school year begins and the fall season ushers in a new variety of opportunities, moms will go about the business of signing their children up for a variety of activities. In addition to returning to the school regimen, they will once again address the rapid pace of homework, lessons of various sorts, and practices that go with sports, dance, etc. Life will once again begin to move at break neck speed.

Let me share with you a secret: In the midst of all this activity your children will grow up and you won't know what happened. They change and grow so fast and we will not have noticed because we were so busy we failed to take the time to pay attention to what was going on around them and in our own homes.

My children are grown and I love where we are in their stage of life. I would not want to go back because I know we made the most of their lives when we had them under our roof. However, it doesn't change the fact that I miss them being around as well as the small issues that accompanied their lives when they were little. Now the issues have far greater implications and the world is not as safe as when they were with me.

I share this simply to remind you to pay attention to the moment you are in and don't let it slip away from you. Hug them often, discipline them fairly, do not overindulge them, expect great things for them, and teach them to have a faith in God. All of this takes time so be sure you make the important things a priority.

Always,

Catherine