I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the kind of childhood that I want to provide for my boys. Some of this is wrapped up in wanting them to make great memories and provide a lot of the things I lacked as a kid.

I want them to take music lessons, play baseball, and have all of the things they need to succeed and feel cared for. Now that Emet is getting older, I’ve been feeling the pressure to have all of these things lined up and ready to go. 

I was sharing all of this with my dear friend Melinda and she gave me some really great feedback. She told me: “Don’t lose sight of the fact that they (your children) want to be with you more than anything else. Make sure it’s a desire of their heart and not just yours. Busyness does not produce fruitfulness.”

This was really good for bringing things into perspective. The things that I desire for my children are not wrong. But I don’t want to undervalue our slow one-on-one time with each other. We have been so blessed with these two boys and I want to squeeze every drop of value from each moment so they will know they’re loved — whether that’s baseball, playing Star Wars on the floor, or reading together. Each moment is an investment -  a deposit -  into their little lives. 

I’m so grateful for these little lives we’ve been entrusted with and for friendships that help keep you centered.

| Credits: Author: Jacintha Payne; Photography - Ali Marsh |