This time of year is very busy for everyone with the holidays quickly approaching… Thanksgiving will be celebrated this week and Christmas is just around the corner!  While we run around with our endless to do lists let us not forget to stop and breathe for a moment.  Sit down and look around at your nearest and dearest.  Take time to spend with the ones you love and put down that list for a little while.  None of us know how long we have on this earth so we need to make time for the important people in our lives.

A few days ago I was reminded of this fact… I was driving along a local highway when a car in the lane next to me suddenly and without warning cut me off forcing me to slam on my brakes.  In the midst of screeching tires and deafening blaring of car horns, I caught a glimpse of a silver car speeding down the highway in our direction… it was going the wrong way!  A quick glance at my rear and side mirrors reflected the horror on the faces of the woman in a red car coming straight at my left side and the driver of another vehicle approaching behind.  In those few seconds it seemed as if time were in slow motion.  I clasped the steering wheel in my hands, prayed, and braced for impact.  Then I heard a little voice calling to me from the back of the car with the words, “Why was that car going the wrong way mommy?”  I looked up at my rear view mirror and saw my six-year-old son’s face with the zig zag reflection of swerved cars in the road behind his head.  Each car was within an inch of the other… it was a miracle that no cars were hit and that we all drove off, a little startled, but we were able to continue on our journey.

Life is a journey and there are many roads we travel.  Sometimes we need to stop for a while and reflect on what is important.  That to do list you have will get done and if not, does it really matter?  Take time to spend with the ones you love now!  It doesn’t have to require spending lots of money… just spending time.  For the past two nights I have sat with my children and watched Christmas movies of their choice.  We ate popcorn, giggled and snuggled together.  There is nothing more endearing than listening to the sound of your children’s laughter as their smiles light up their little faces.  I hope to fill my children’s hearts with loving memories of times spent as a family so that one day they too will take the time to spend with the ones they love!