I’m proud of the relationship I have with my 24-year-old son, Joshua. Our journey to this place we now find ourselves in is a story I reserve for private conversations, but trust me when I tell you it’s a good one. I’ve learned so much from his beautiful soul. And he keeps teaching.
Yesterday Joshua texted me while I was in the middle of something at work. He was excited about a few new graphic designs he was working on and I communicated back that I really liked them. My responses were positive but brief. And as I’ve come to expect from him, he surprised me. His comments are in grey below, mine are in blue.
Trying to be funny, I responded to his observation with a simple, “Yup.” And that’s when class began.
“You should try, now that you’re more independent work-wise, to create a bit of a looser schedule even if it’s just slightly so it’s not constant movement… I know I don’t have knowledge in the field to speak to it so I’m just speaking for life in general 🙂 You seem more tense.” And then he said…
“There’s always gonna be time.”
He was right, of course. I knew instantly what he meant. There is always going to be time for work. It forces its way into a prime position in my life. I often allow myself to be defined by it. And as I read his words again, “there’s always gonna be time,” I picked up the phone and called him.
We had a fabulous 15-20 minute conversation about the constant pressures of parenting, of where I was at in my career, and about what was important in life, for him and me. And before I knew it, I was more in love with him than I was before the phone call. And I felt his love for me, and it energized and refreshed me. It was the best part of my day and I almost missed it.
Who or what do you need to make time for today? Yourself? Someone else? Is there a call you’ve been putting off? Make the time. Just do it.
I am thankful for yesterday’s moment of clarity. Thank you, Josh.
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