Tides of Life
As part of our vacation, we went to a small town in France that played a prominent part in the D-Day Invasion during WWII. The name of this place was Port en Bessin and one evening we went into town to buy an ice cream cone. As we walked over the small harbor bridge we noticed that all the boats were moored in the mud. Of course the reason for this was due to the tide being out leaving the boats without enough water to float.
About a half-hour later, the ice cream cones had been eaten and we walked back to the car. I looked towards the boats and they were now floating. During the 30 minutes we had been gone enough of the tide came back to float the boats. I was surprised at how quickly the tide rose. As I thought about this I couldn’t help thinking of an analogy of this tide with how quickly my children grew up and left.
They grew up too quickly. It seemed as though this happened overnight and while I know that it is not true I do know that the symbolic ocean tide of my family being with me in our home came in and out too quickly. I thought of all the blessings I had as I pondered about the past including the challenges that I experienced. I recognized the personal growth in my children and me as a result of our family life.
I certainly hope other parents recognize that the tide in their family is filled with blessings and challenges and before long the family has changed. Enjoy the family tide (time together) and cherish every minute even when you wonder if it is worth it. It is a good idea to frequently tell your children how grateful you are for them and life is much better with them as part of your family.
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Anne's Corner
Increasing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to increase happiness and protect your family from depression and discouragement. Try these 4 simple steps with your child:1. Challenge yourself and your child to think of one thing for which you can be truly grateful today. Do this every day and find a new thing every time.? 2. Write them down. I am grateful for rain, for chocolate chip cookies hot out of the oven, for… You can get or make a “Gratitude Journal” or “Gratitude Chart” to keep a record, but don’t put it off until you get something snazzy. It is more important to just get started. 3. Talk about it together. Tell the story, “I was so tired and grumpy this morning and then, happy day, we had enough bread to make everyone’s lunch!” 4. Post your list or keep it where it can be seen. Making your gratitude public strengthens it.
Anne's Corner
Increasing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to increase happiness and protect your family from depression and discouragement. Try these 4 simple steps with your child:1. Challenge yourself and your child to think of one thing for which you can be truly grateful today. Do this every day and find a new thing every time.? 2. Write them down. I am grateful for rain, for chocolate chip cookies hot out of the oven, for… You can get or make a “Gratitude Journal” or “Gratitude Chart” to keep a record, but don’t put it off until you get something snazzy. It is more important to just get started. 3. Talk about it together. Tell the story, “I was so tired and grumpy this morning and then, happy day, we had enough bread to make everyone’s lunch!” 4. Post your list or keep it where it can be seen. Making your gratitude public strengthens it.
