I spent the morning drawing animals from every letter of the alphabet, in every color of the crayon box at my 3 year old’s request. At first, I attempted to escape the task by sitting on the couch sipping coffee and waiting for soccer to come on. I also tried to do things for the other kids like make breakfast and feed them. Anything to get out of coloring for the next half a day. As he persisted, the more I realized this was an opportunity to lean in.   

I began coloring with a better attitude. It didn’t improve my drawing and coloring skills (they are what they are at this point), but it did improve my interaction with my son. Once I was more present with him he started saying, “Nice camel, Mama!” I thanked him for the compliment, but I was really thanking him for reminding me that these are the moments worth living for. It’s easy to forget sometimes when you’re feeling like you’re running through the day. 

Here’s to all the terribly inaccurate drawings that my son thinks are the best thing ever. He really knows how to make a mama feel special!