Elevator/Escalator Date

Good Thursday morning!

Many, many years ago, I used to write little articles for our Sunday School newsletter. A special friend of ours from our Sunday School class passed away over 11 years ago on October 1. He was a very special friend, and he liked this little article way back then, so in remembering him this month, I'm going to blog this old article.

(Originally written October, 1997) I am the original "Autumn Nut." I love the way the light comes through my living room windows at 4:00 in the afternoon. I love the way the squirrels throw huge hickory nuts at me as I run with Roxie in my arms to my van. I love raking up huge piles of leaves and letting my boys jump in them (and when I think my neighbors aren't paying attention, I've been known to take a leap or two myself). I love the smell of cool, brisk autumnal air. (I love the word "autumnal.") I love gray days because the colors of the leaves are so vivid against the sky. I love wearing sweaters as opposed to bathing suits (for all the apparent reasons). I even fell in love with Mikie in autumn. (Of course, being the typical male, he didn't fall in love with me until the following spring.) Why have I bored you with an essay of all my favorite things? I have in recent years learned a very important lesson from my obsession with all things autumnal.

For a long period of time in my life, I trudged through the long summer months muttering under my breath every morning, "I can't wait until the leaves start to turn." I wasted many beautiful summer days longing for something not promised to me in the future. And then when autumn finally appeared, I was so worried about it lasting for such a short time that instead of enjoying its beauty, I found myself dreading the end of a day because it meant we were that much closer to the end of my season. What turned me around? What made me see the beauty in every season of my life? What catastrophic event turned the original "Autumn Nut" into someone who was capable of enjoying a 99 degree summer day?

Well, it was one of those passages of scripture we've all heard since the first day we walked into a church. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a season for every event under heaven."

I first used this scripture in my own life dealing with the doldrums that can set in with working and stay at home moms. The mundane routines of everyday life can easily fall into a "season." There are the enormous amounts of laundry; meals to prepare; car pooling; runny noses; temper fits in Wal-Mart; sticking your finger in the back of the baby's diaper and acting surprised when there is actually something in there (WHY DO WE DO THAT?); annoying telephone calls from solicitors; large, gaping holes in brand new pairs of pantyhose that you throw on as you're walking out the door on the way to a worship service; a slip that is doing exactly what the name implies and is down around your ankles before you notice (and by that time, you really don't care anymore); and lest any of us forget, the signature baby URP on the shoulder of your new black suede dress that no one feels the need to mention until you ask, "What is that smell?" and they quickly point out it's you.

I guess what I'm trying to say in my own simple way is I don't want to miss any of my seasons by being so caught up in the stresses of everyday life. I want to experience the joys of autumn all year long.

What I've determined to do is enjoy some part of my "season" each and every day. I don't want to miss the winters, springs and summers of my life because I am so focused on getting to the autumns. (Translation -- I don't want to wake up one day and the kids are gone, the house is neat and clean, the laundry hamper is empty and then realize what a beautiful time of my life I hurried through. What a waste that would be!)

I think Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippian church, "...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Philippians 4:11). What a wonderful thing to strive for... contentment in the winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons of our lives.

Well, I have to finish up this little article now. There are noses to wipe, laundry to do, beds to make, kids to take to school, kids to pick up from school, supper to prepare (chili and cornbread, of course), and I noticed something an odd "autumnal" color in the refrigerator I think I need to check on. (It's truly amazing how many times you can use that word if you really apply yourself!)

But I think I'll take a few minutes to slip out on my back deck and feel the cool, refreshing breeze on my face, watch the squirrels chase each other and enjoy the beautiful yellow, red and orange leaves falling at my feet while sipping warm cider out of my new pumpkin mug (Cracker Barrel - $3.99).

Yes, autumn is by far my favorite season, but winter, spring and summer have their good points, too. You just have to look a little harder!

Elevator/Escalator Date (Boy or Girl)

Ages 2-3

Dates are very important to have when you have more than one child. One-on-one time with your kids is just as important as family time. Even as young as 2 or 3 years old, you can begin "dating" your children.

How many times have you gotten on the elevator and had your kids fight over who got to push the button? It is universal. It is without regard to sex... boys like to push the button just as much as girls do.

On a lazy Sunday afternoon after lunch, take your little boy or little girl and go to the local mall. In Birmingham, we have the Galleria. Start at one end of the mall (J. C. Penney's) and go up the escalator. Walk into the mall and you will eventually come to another escalator. Go down. Go to the big elevator in the food court... go up. I think you get the picture. Go up and down the entire mall looking for escalators and elevators. Take your time and let your little one ride to their heart's content.

We're fortunate to have a merry-go-round in the middle of our mall, so a little extra treat is a couple of rides on their favorite animal before heading to the food court for french fries and a coke (or whatever your little one enjoys). It won't be a long date... it won't be an expensive date... it probably won't even be the most fun date you as the parent have ever been on. But it will be a talking, walking, hand-holding, laughing and time well spent date with a child who just wants to be the only one who gets to push the buttons.

Next Thursday's date will be for a 4 to 5 year old boy or girl, and will be just as fun (for them) and just as inexpensive (for you).

You may be noticing I'm slowly introducing you to our family. Josh has been added to the photo gallery above. He has recently turned 15 and will be getting his driving permit next week. Two teenage boys driving in our little family. Be still my heart!

Have a great day and I'll talk to you tomorrow.