Reflections

I took Susan, Peter and Edmund to the large creek near our house this afternoon. I was going to bring a book, but at the last minute decided against it, and to wear my water shoes instead. I’m glad I did. As much as I love reading outside on a beautiful day, it’s fun wading in the cool water with my children. Lots of “Mommy, look at me!” and “Look at the minnows!”

If I had been buried in the pages of my novel, I would have missed getting my feet wet. I would’ve missed carrying seven-year-old Susan piggyback becasue she had sneakers on instead of waterproof shoes. She’s almost too big for me to carry now. Susan will be eight next week and becoming more independent everyday. How did the time go so quickly? Where is the baby I carried tucked in the crook of my arm?

I would’ve missed admiring the water striders with my boys. The boys have seen water striders before, but not with me wading alongside them wearing blue water shoes and cut-off shorts. Will they remember this day?

Memories aren’t made sitting idly on a park bench while my children discover new things under a rock or in a shallow pool.

Today was a day to lay the book aside and get my feet wet.

I’m so glad I did.