2  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

Picture from a Christmas Past

My first wish for this holiday is that the "grown-ups" in the family slow down and remember to listen to the children more often in the coming year. One of the many reasons being a parent is wonderful is because of the things I learn from my children.  I know that the parents are supposed to be the teachers and most of the time we are.  However, I am constantly surprised and inspired by my children.  I often get caught up in the details of the holiday season, the logistics and practical things that make this time of year hectic for all of us.  My children often show me the way to find the best things in life, as you will read below.  I am not bragging about my daughter (I am proud of her) but this story ties into the miracle of the season, so read on.  There is a point, I promise.

My older daughter Grace just turned 14 and we had a party for her last weekend with some of her friends.  One of the other parents called me to RSVP for the party and told me she thought it was refreshing to hear that Grace did not want anything for her birthday.  I did not know until my friend Cindy told me but Grace told her friends that she didn't need anything for her birthday because she had everything she could want.  She told her friends that she "could always use a hug because everyone needs more hugs."

This story isn't about our excellent parenting skills because our family struggles with the same battles that challenge most families.  But the story is just one example of the many ways I learn from the girls.  It's not the gifts you give, it's the LOVE you give to others.  In the words of my 9-year-old, "DUH".  I know this but I forget.  I am so glad they show me the way. 

The second wish for our family is that we remember to give grace to others, even when we don't feel like it.  The crabby neighbor or the surly teen probably needs our understanding the most.  My final wish is that we remember to appreciate the people in our lives that are easy to take for granted....like our close friends and family.   I appreciate the time I've been allowed to spend here at Family.com.  It has truly been a pleasure and I look forward to getting to know more of you in the coming year.

Have a wonderful holiday!
Michelle Lamar


Read about other moms' New Year's resolutions and share your own at the Yule Blog.