This isn’t how I thought my start as a Macaroni Kids publisher would begin. You see, after careful consideration of possibly returning to the workforce, searching for opportunities, and ultimately becoming a publisher, I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to launch my site! Well, as happens, something did launch—my body. I tripped over my dog and sustained a serious shoulder injury that will have me sidelined for 10 weeks.
Oof! But in the weeks since then, as we moved through the season of gratitude and into the season of giving I’ve had some reflection on both of those feelings. I’m grateful for the help I’ve received. Family and friends have driven me to appointments, entertained my kids while I rested, and helped me navigate life these past couple of weeks.
The giving feeling stressed me. I’ve always interpreted it as me giving my kids and family the picture-perfect holidays. Decorations need hanging, presents need wrapping, and seasonal treats and meals need prepping. Plus the kids ever pressing calendar of events and activities and school spirit days that I felt ill-prepared to give, But I started to think about giving. What if giving was giving myself time and space to work out a new (albeit temporary) normal? What if giving was giving my kids a chance to step up and assume some new responsibilities? What if instead of thinking of the literal gifting of items, I also considered giving peace and kindness; Kids doing chores means the occasional broken dish, teens cooking eggs means the occasional burnt-on pan. But somewhere in those mishaps, I remembered not to yell and get upset. I remembered the gifts of patience. After all, dishes can be replaced and pans scrubbed.
So some weeks and a few days into our new normal we’re finding a path. My family is giving me peace. I am giving them patience. And oh so much gratitude.
