Go Ahead - Hit Me!

I arrived home from my appointment at the church to find my family watching Cheaper by the Dozen. As the final credits rolled, we discussed what we'd watch next. I mentioned Part Two, but my children had already chosen another of my favorite movies, Mr. Megorium's Wonder Emporium. We snuggled into the couch and began watching.

And then it hit me like a lightening bolt. It amazes me how God can use one scene in a movie to strike a chord in my heart.

It's the scene with Henry and Eric. I've embedded it so you can see it for yourself:

I'd just spent an hour with a friend of mine who's getting her Master's Degree in counseling. We were discussing the results of my personality test. The two topics we'd covered were control and affection. I'd volunteered the information that I struggle with showing my kids vast amounts of affection. 

There are, after all, four of them, all vying for my attention at the same time. At least most days. 

And they always want to do something. Right when I'm in the middle of working. Yep. Now the scene from the movie is making sense.

My usual response? "Give me five minutes to finish up." My friend lovingly pointed out to me that my children won't understand five minutes so you can have five hours.  

She recommended I put down my work for five minutes and meet their needs. Once the needs are met, they'll be more likely to leave me alone for five minutes - simply because they know I care more about them than my work.

So when this scene popped up on the screen, I dabbed my eyes. I can totally relate. And I totally need to overcome this area in my life. God knows I love my kids. And my job. All I need to do is find the balance.

So as I finish writing this post, it's nearing the time for me to pick them up from school. And I will not be going back to work until I've focused on them for awhile. I pray I see happier faces and lighter hearts!