So, today is supposed to be Must Have Monday, but I decided to move it to tomorrow, since all I can think of right now is the movie I just watched during nap time. My Sister’s Keeper just put me in my place.

I have been brewing over a couple juvenile issues that pale, PALE in comparison to the struggles this family has to deal with on a daily basis. There is no comparison. But I am not trying to compare at all really. Seeing this movie took me, as a viewer, to a place I needed to go. A big slap in the face, if you will.

For the love of GOD, one of the daughters has CANCER and is dying. The grueling toll it takes on each and every member of that family. It’s overwhelming. They spoke to me. They told me to be grateful for what I have. And not just that, but to be present in what you do have.

Just this morning I was barking at the boys while I furiously ran around the kitchen trying to get the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and find places for all the crap that had landed on the island over the past month. You know, I was being a mom. At the same time, I was angered Hola was trying to pull knives out of the dishwasher and was peeved at Rt for just spazing out like a typical 4 1/2 yr old.

What was the end result? Yes, I got the house in order before the house cleaner (so grateful for her!) arrived, but I put myself into a tailspin and took it out on the kids. Where’s the balance? I have no idea. I struggle with it daily. And while I would love to goof off with the boys more than not, I just can’t set all of that aside and play with the kids all day. Structure has to happen or this ship will most likely sink at some point.

It’s just balance, I guess. I am really not sure. All I do know is that when I am dialed in, into the kids, it’s a truly magical place to be. And when I am on a major roll with my responsibilities and the kids are content with what they are doing, it certainly is a great place to be as well.

It’s perspective. Perspective makes all the difference. These kids matter, but for some reason petty bullshit keeps getting to me and getting in my way. And I LOATHE that some things matter to me. They get to me and I can’t decipher why. It’s painful. But, like today, I was transformed to another time, another life, and I was enveloped into these people’s lives. And I empathized with them. I cried for them. I felt so sorry for them.

And for an afternoon, I was filled with gratefulness, thankfulness, and gratitude for the life I have. I was reminded about all the little things one can easily forget on a daily basis. I pray, I HOPE I can continue to keep what’s really important, WHO’S really important on the main burner. It’s a much richer life that way.

And, on that note, I am going to go join my two precious boys and sing along to “We’re the MAPS, we’re the MAPS, WE”RE THE MAPS!”

May your week be filled with reminders of how lucky you truly are.

e