If I Had a Do-Over

Roll back the curtains of memories now and then! That’s what I was doing when I remembered this time of year when my daughter and family lived in Seattle. Payton and Alexia attended Bellevue Christian School. Often, Staci would call me on their way home from school. This day, I heard Alexia shouting in the background: “Payton, that’s my side!” Payton responded, “It’s my turn to sit on that side!” Then Alexia: “Mommy, Payton pushed me!” Then Payton, “She pushed me first!”

Before Staci broke up this normal display of sibling confrontation, it was as though she read my mind, and said, “Mom, are you hearing this? Do you love this?” With a smile on my face, in my own quiet space of peace and serenity, I knew my darling daughter was recalling her and her brother, and their sparring many years ago. She knew what I was thinking. “Ah… music to my ears — sweet retribution!” And, ah…how awesome it is to be Nana!

I couldn’t resist posting this photo to accompany this blog, Payton and Alexia and the sweet (sigh) love they shared. Check out the typical boy being grossed out by being this close to his sister!

The truth is, it seems like just a short while ago, that I was the referee with my two, Staci and Ryan. And there were plenty of times that I wondered if they would make it through those times alive. It was all part of the journey!

In the words of a very wise and not-so-young grandmother (me)…”Oh, such sweet and precious memories…and oh, how quickly the time flew by.” If I had words of wisdom to offer to young moms and dads today, I’d say “Cherish the moments…every one of them!”

I read this poem and I pass it along to encourage you moms and dads to “take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. It comes to an end way too soon!”

“If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again”
If I had my child to raise over again,
I’d finger-paint more and point my finger less.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, (my add, “I’d take my eyes off my phone”)
and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I’d do more hugging, and less tugging.
I’d be firm less often, and affirm much more…
If I had my child to raise over again,
I’d teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love!
— Diane Loomans

My children are grown-ups now with grown-up responsibilities and it fills me with pride and joy as I watch them helping to navigate their children in the way they should go. Now, I see the siblings respecting each other. Long gone are the days of sibling rivalry. Long gone are the days of not wanting to sit close to each other. Now, they delight in each other’s presence.

Just imagine how our Father God must feel when He sees HIS kids maturing and understanding the power of love for each other. Rather than fussing about what a sibling does wrong, He must swell with pride when He sees us encouraging each other, supporting each other, and loving just like He loves us!

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)