To Do List

I love lists!! I love to make them, organize them, and most importantly check items OFF my list. Sometimes I am sooo crazy (yes I admit it) that if I have done a lot during the day I will start a list so that I can check off the things I already did! I said it was crazy!
I have been thinking today that I need a SUMMER TO DO LIST. And it reminded me of something I heard on the radio the other day about a to do list kids made, of course it wasn't the typical to do list - it was MUCH better! It had things like: eat a lot of ice cream, swim, play with my friends, ride my bike, catch fireflies, and all sorts of other fun stuff. It really challenged me to take a step back and look at my to do list.
I am a "results oriented" person. I need to see progress and results or it's really hard for me to give my time to something. And while that is great while I am at work and sometimes great for getting stuff done around my house, I feel it creeping it's way into every area of my life. I was playing kickball with some kids the other day and thought - What is this accomplishing? Are they learning anything? Is there a lesson here? Will these kids leave this kickball game with a new perspective? I mean seriously, that is just ridiculous! The point of it was to play and have fun! Something I think is sooo important but I let get pushed aside a LOT!
I think it's a very easy trap to get sucked into. Especially for parents! There is sooo much to accomplish everyday that it's really hard to stop to look at the ant on the sidewalk that has just completely mesmerized your 3 year old!! But if you do stop, even for a minute, you ARE accomplishing something - letting your child know they are important to you!
So, I am making a to do list - a fun one! Full of fun, pointless things to do this Summer! I encourage you to do the same. And while you are at it - ask your kids for some help, it may surprise you what you come up with!