We’re used to headlines. And headliners. And theme music. To rock stars and taglines and the spotlight to tell us what matters. To talent searches to tell us what’s beautiful and what should be applauded. To cameras that catch every nuance of the intimacy of music or art or emotion. It can leave the rest of us feeling like we’re standing in the dark.
But what if we’ve got it backwards.
What if the pool of quiet that laps at the edges of our ordinary lives is the spotlight. What if the songs we sing over our toddlers are famous in the halls of their memories. What if all those times you and your daughters blared the radio and sang into your hair brushes is the A list. What if that macaroni necklace you wore for two weeks straight is the Tiffany’s of a five year old’s recollection because you treated it as such.
What if the cartoon strip your son drew that you had matted and framed and hung over your desk made him feel like Picasso. What if all those books you read out loud to tired kids that took up the time while you wished you could be writing your own are the story. What if the make up you applied across the freckles of a prom date, the scooter you assembled by hand, the weeks of growing avocado seeds are the sound check for the voice of the future that sings over who your tiny humans will become.
They see you. They see you.
Eyes wide with the wonder of how you make their favorite chocolate chip cookies. Ears full of the loud voice you are in their head. Hearts aching to grow up into a version of you. You are the headline of their lives. You are living the news.
There are more stages behind closed doors than in any arena.
And a day in and day out, standing ovation if we have the eyes to see it.
Yes!!!! Though written from a different angle, I wrote today on how the season illnesses can be a time of connection for our children, and it’s something they will remember. At a time they needed us, what did we do with it? Did we take it as opportunity or treat it like dread and burden?
Thank you for the reminder! Our sons would make good friends: a soccer ball and a Star Wars t-shirt makes him happy too.
This brought tears to my eyes. It seems like everywhere I look there are either people striving for greatness or so discouraged that they settle for mediocrity. And the kids get left in the wake of both. What if we redefined greatness? By God’s standards. Then we could see our lives the way you just depicted it- we could see the importance of it all.
“What if we redefined greatness?By God’s standards.” That would change EVERYTHING!
Beautiful post. Needed this as a start another beautiful ordinary day :)
Lisa, You are so great. Some days I really think you spy on my house and figure out just what I need to hear! As I stared blankly into my closet this morning looking for a clean pair of work pants, that just might make me look less like a frumpy soccer mom, I literally wanted to pull my hair out. I was subconsciously wishing away the crazy morning routine of frozen waffles and lunch packing, that I was in the middle of. Then my son comes up and says: “Mom, I have to tell you something.” Me (rushed): “Yes, what is it?” Him: “I just love you SO much.” Me: Speechless.
You are so right – that is what it is all about. How can I want for anything more. :) xo!
I feel like you peek into my life and write to me. Every. week. It just fits. I was just thinking this last night. That I couldn’t possibly go into ANOTHER week of the same ol’ routine. Thank you for these lovely words.
You really are a blessing! And on those days when you can’t hear your standing ovation, know in your heart that the moms you bless are cheering you on from the wings!
Just reading the title of your post made me start to cry. Why is it that my head knows I am doing the most important work in the world, but my heart misses it? Thank you for your gentle reminder that this is my stage and they are the greatest audience I will ever be in front of.
Precious reminders of the special little moments! ♥♥♥
This is absolutely wondeful! You are so right! I love this!
as always, you have such a way with words, friend.
janelle marie
So beautiful and so true. Thank you for that perspective! It was needed today.
Sensitive, wise, and well written post!
Mother of 4 and grandmother of nine, I have lived all my married life “living” that role. The big plans and the big pictures were part of it. It was however the little moments that made all the difference.
Even now, when I finally see my self as a “writer,” I postponed the publishing of my book for a few month because my family needs me more than ever.
Thanks for validating my decision!
Blessing to you and your family!
This is exactly for my heart today. I desperately needed the encouragement and the reminder that what we do is severely important.
Amen. Thank you for the sweet reminder.
Touche! Why is that we LOOK for the “good things”, the “important things”…when they are already RIGHT IN FRONT OF US.
Even though I fall down on the job so many times, I truly feel that parenthood is my most important job here on Earth.
Thanks for the reminder.
Fabulous post…standing ovation, day in and day out…I love that! Beautiful writing and insight, as always Lisa-Jo!
That is so good! Such a great reminder and so beautifully and creatively written. Love your post today. Thank you!
This serves as a great encouragement for me today. This helps me realize too not to rush through the moments but to slow down and realize they may be memories for my children.
Thanks! I needed that.
Thank you! (teary eyed) I’m going to play catch with my son now!
We’re in one of the routine days. They’re coloring at the kitchen table and laughing hysterically as they repeat (over and over), “No more baby llama drama!”
the link above doesn’t go to my blog…here it is! Sorry for the trouble!
Love this post! So true.
It never fails to astonish me how completely different (and usually wonderful) my children act when we are doing something one on one. Giving them my undivided attention brings out the best in them.
It is so hard to remember how important we are to our kids and how they look to us for guidance when so much of what I do seems repetitive. If feel as if I spend large parts of my day on a battle zone and I too often forget that they are little people who need love most of all. Thanks for the reminder
Bless you, dear Lisa. Blown away once again by your words of encouragement. Well done.
ugh soooo very true!!! Love this!!! I truly have the best job ever!
As a “Momma” whose girls are “all growed” let me say, you’ve said more than you know. God bless you dear lady with continued insight for your life, the inspiration of others and the delight of God’s heart.
I was feeling really overwhelmed and down today. Thanks so much for the beautiful reminder that there are people much more important that think the world of me.
This post reached right into my heart and SANG to it, Lisa-Jo! Thank you for giving words to those feelings of wondering if our little ditties matter to our little ones and whether the art we choose to forsake for the sake of the art made lovingly with tender little hands is the better choice for our walls. Oh, yes! I will be rereading this for a shot in the arm of encouragement once or ten times.
Thank you for this! I am sharing it with every mama I know and posting a reminder where I can see it often!
every time i come here, i leave changed.
better.
more.
*and crying. lol*
Very sweet! It can be overwhelming to be everything to everyone everyday, but the days are getting shorter with my oldest and I can see the end and I’m not ready for it.
Instead of asking me to play with him, he now comes to find me to talk about deep things or ask my opinions. (I have lots!) He’s always up for a good debate, in fact he thrives on it. Me, not so much, but I have finally learned that some good-natured disagreement is a good thing and is teaching him (and me) valuable life/relational skills.
I am blessed to still be the singing and dancing star for my four-year-old, with four wonderfuls inbetween.
Thank you for making me think and reminding me to be grateful.
I needed this today- Thank you :)
Thank YOU(!) for giving me this perspective! I’ve never looked at it that way, but I sorely needed to! thank you! Keep up the encouraging good work you’re doing here! I’m sure this post came from God, through you:-)
I needed to hear this so deeply today. Thank you :)
Wow. YES. Wonderful perspective.
Oh this is good stuff, and something I hope and pray to remember when I have little ones around the house.
It’s hard to remember that the little stuff matters in any relationship, but it’s true.
What a joy marriage will be if I remember to make each and every day count. :)
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