I sit here late at night posting for two reasons. One – the medication I am taking for my sinus infection has me up. Two – even after a tough day, I have so many reasons to be thankful.

At work today, there were many tough decisions that had to be made — more so than usual. These were the kind that weigh upon you and take that bit of extra energy and analysis. And to make sure I was thinking on my feet, the day threw in a couple of curveballs too related to property stuff we still need to get resolved back in California. The constant barrage of challenges with the need to “be on and be right” all day sure had an impact. It wasn’t a bad day like those we sometimes have, but it was just a tough day that makes you earn every copper penny of your day’s pay. I was very glad THAT part of the day was over when I got in my truck and headed my familiar daily pilgrimage home on the two lane country roads. But the day still had one or two left for me — slow poke country drivers that is — to test me. And while I was keeping my right foot light, resisting the urge to pass at the next available broken yellow, a country song I had never heard came on regarding our kids and truly enjoying the beings that they are. Below are the lyrics and it really set me straight.

It really set me back to the proper frame of mind I needed to be in. And as I arrived home, I received my most favorite present once again — my kids, along with the dogs, running alongside my truck as I drove up the gravel drive, smiling, waving and yelling excitement as if I was the ice cream man on a hot July day giving out free treats. I exited my truck to little grabbing hands wanting hugs and wagging tails, walked over to my wife who was bundled for the 38F degree sunny day, gave her a big hug and told her I was the luckiest man alive.

I don’t deserve this and I expect to have to work twice as hard tomorrow…..which I’ll gladly do.

Just remember, your kids don’t care how big your office is, how much money you make, how many meetings you went to, where you are on the corporate totem pole, whether you swept the floors, built the floors, or paid for the floors. They just love you for you and the time you spend with them.

Artist: Billy Dean
Song: Let Them Be Little

Lyrics:

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand
Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute
How it amazes me, you’re changing with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon

So let them be little ’cause they’re only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little

I’ve never felt so much in one little tender touch
I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes
Now that you’re teaching me things only a child can see
Every night while we’re on our knees all I ask is please

Let them be little ’cause they’re only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little

So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around
It’s time to let them go

So let them be little ’cause they’re only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little

Let them be little

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

PS – the “let them sleep in the middle” part is beautifully applicable to us. My son woke me up as he did his nightly transfer from his bed to ours.