A few years back I was completely immersed in volunteering at school. I held leadership roles on our PFA (PTA, PFC, has many names, same thing)Board, I was room parent, organized the school carnival, the list goes on. I had good reasons for doing it, and I enjoyed it, but I had a lot going on, and I felt like I was keeping myself so busy that I wasn't able to focus on my family and my own spiritual growth the way I wanted to. So I stepped back. I took the break I needed. Organizations like school volunteer groups can get a little political, and the many personalities can be challenging to deal with at times. I found myself a little exhausted maneuvering around all of the silliness. Ok, so fast forward a year or so. I miss the involvement. I miss feeling connected to what is going on in the school environment. I miss connecting in person with other Moms on a regular basis. My house isn't immaculate, the laundry isn't always done, I haven't morphed into Helen homemaker like I had hoped I would (by spending more time at home). I have grown a lot, and I hope I will continue to do so. Sooo, I am dipping my toe back into the water next year. I volunteered to be on the board next year at my son's elementary school. I also volunteered to do some writing/web stuff at El Camino Real High School (maybe I'll have a clue what is going on now, since my son tells me zip) I will likely have 4 kids in 4 different schools next year I believe (still trying to narrow it down to 3 schools, but awaiting permit approvals), so my days of not being out in the world are over for sure. I realise this sounds a bit more like diving into the deep end, than dipping my toe in the water, but that is how I roll. (In case you have been following my posts on using your gifts, this is part of my own self-challenge. My spiritual gifts include communication and problem solving, time to start working out those muscles)
Summer is a wonderful time if you have the luxury to stay home with your kids and enjoy the slower pace. Lazy days, pool time, reading, outings, and spending time at the beach is good for the soul. If you are a parent who keeps your kids home with you vs. sending them to camp--- there is also a dark side to the lazy days of Summer. I know many Moms who say loud and proud, "I can't wait till Summer!! Oh yeah! Only 3 more weeks!!, Oh no! It's over already! We need a few more weeks!!" Are you one of those? Do you say it with a straight face? Ok, maybe you are sincere. Bully for you, you win the Mom medal. Those are NOT my people. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, I really do. I love reading time, and lego time, and swimming, and picnics at the beach-- as much as any other Mom. Let's get real for a minute though. We can't play down the other side of life with kids. The constant fighting The whining The meltdowns (yes one of our guys st...
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