Hello, Monday. I’m sorry to say it, but we’ve not been the best of friends as of late. It isn’t you. It’s me. I just so love the weekend and hate to see it end. Time together as a family, Summer adventures in the beautiful weather, friendships, celebrations…they all seem to quiet down and settle into the week when you arrive. Honestly, you kind of get the raw end of the deal, coming right after Sunday and all. Not your fault, but a bummer. That being said, I’m trying to make my peace with you. There’s something about the hush of Monday morning that isn’t terrible at all, especially if I put in a little extra effort to appreciate it. Today is one of those days.

Getting ready for the day, my mind raced with things I wanted to remember from the weekend, this morning, life in general. And then there was the list of “todos” and “I should really…s” and all the other jazz that comes after taking a mental hiatus for a few days while I’ve been milking the marrow out of life. You’re good for that, Monday, and I should really give you more credit. For clearing the space enough that I can think through all of these things, that is. I have a lot on my mind, and in my head, it sounds like this:

-I really wanted to go the gym this morning, but I will make my peace with a sleepy tired boy and his impromptu nap time, instead. He’s extra tired because we had such a busy and beautiful weekend, and that’s a good thing…

-Actually, maybe I’m glad to have this time to think and not be rushing around. It really was a lovely weekend. Of course, I’ll have to find a time later to make up the workout, but perhaps staying home and letting the little one get rest was the better choice. I’ll never know. I should blog. Squirrel!…

-I don’t think I draw enough of the miraculous from my days when I hurry. I’m certain I don’t. Good thing it’s Monday…pace is slower, and it gives me room to process all that is good. I just peeked through the keyhole of the nursery door in time to catch H as he nodded off, his hand, drooping away from his face, his little eyes slipping shut ever-so-peacefully. I sure do love being his mama. I could have missed this this morning. What was I thinking?…

-Ok. So I’ll finish getting ready, head downstairs. Blog. Clean up the few dishes in the sink from breakfast. Vacuum? Maybe later. Do I have emails to send? I’m sure I do, and I’m probably forgetting a few. Thank you notes? Always. Maybe I should write a couple before this nap time gets away from me…

-I’m hearing myself in my head, and I sure do say, “I should…” an awful lot. I do, and probably every other mother on the planet. Who’s with me? And why do we do this to ourselves? Aren’t we instructed to take time to rest and reflect? Will I be any good in the rest of it if I don’t? This past minute or so of thinking has been helpful. Blogging it is, then. And after that, we’ll see about the dishes…

-Oh, but yesterday was just truly so lovely. There’s nothing much better than watching my boys (big and little) interact and have fun together. We all let our hair down a little. We do what actually matters. We love better. We love well. How cool is it that H and J got in a kayak together yesterday, and we all paddled on down the lake as a family?! H’s first kayak experience, and a red letter moment for J. I love that. Not to mention those perfect clouds and the blue, blue sky behind them, the sun glistening off the water, the duck swimming by. Really? Does it get much better than that? Nope. Decidedly, nope…

-But then back to the “I shoulds.” And you know what, I think “I should” and I should take a break from each other. And there I go again. What I mean is, I think we WILL take a break from one another. There. That’s better. This week, I’m going to practice intention and direction. Purposeful acting for the sake of my family, my household, my relationships, and myself. No “I should’s,” but instead, “I will’s,” and “I am’s,” and “I choose to’s.” I think that will help…

-A girl just rode past the house on a bicycle, texting as she went. Does this constitute texting and driving? She did not look safe. She looked silly. I have become such a mom. Oh, Monday. Do you see what you do to me?

Really, I should thank you. In a way, this low key, change of plans Monday morning is exactly what I needed. Me, at my computer with a cup of tea, and you, making space for me to do so when I least expected it. It’s possible that we could be friends, and perhaps, we should. Of course by should, I mean…I’m going to give it my best shot.

to the start of the week. let’s make it a good one!

mm