Marathon. Half Marathon. Iron Man. Iron Woman. I have many friends that have either completed one of these or are in training to do so. I’ve considered adding it to my bucket list. I’d love to look like the athlete it takes to accomplish these feats, just haven’t put in the work to do so.
However, if you are a mom, let me remind you that you are in a race. A race against time. Not in efforts to rush you, but to encourage you to finish well.
Here’s an idea we got from a good friend of ours:
- Count the number of weekends you have until your child leaves for college. Got that number? Oh, of course you can use a calculator!
- Place 1 marble for each weekend in a vase or other container. It is better if the container is see-through.
- Place an empty vase or other container beside the full one. Again, better if the container is see-through.
- Every weekend you have with your child, move one marble from the full vase to the empty one. This visual will help remind you that your weekends are passing by. This can be even more fun if you use gum balls instead of marbles (munch, munch).
The vases should provide encouragement for you to plan your time. Enjoy your children. Be a parent. Understand there might not be much time left to teach them what they need to know.
Run, Momma, Run. You might not “win” the race, but aim to finish well!
Ali Bragdon 