Every year for the past 11 years, I have sung in a church chorus that performs Handel's Messiah. This is something that I have always enjoyed doing. I always leave rehearsals feeling uplifted and happy because I have been able to do something that I love doing for 3 hours.
Last night was the last performance of the Messiah, and I skipped it. I debated whether or not I should go all day long, and I didn't choose to skip the last performance on a whim. I thought about it long and hard. One of the very reasons I decided to stay home with my family was because of something my conductor has said over and over again. Every year he gives us a lecture on commitment and he always talks about making sure you prioritize your commitments and always do your best to keep them. What he didn't understand is that some of us really took that to heart and I have decided that being with my family, and spending time with them is the most important commitment. . . .especially on a Sunday.
Last week was extremely busy and this week will be even more so. I will not be at home any evening this week and I will also be gone most afternoons as well. I have 4 - 5 things scheduled each day that have to be done and when I looked at my calendar last night I realized that my family won't have some quality time together at all this week. I felt sad and then I really felt as though I should stay at home with them last night and we should do something as a family.
So, we did. We had a great dinner and then after the kids were done the dishes, we all got into our pj's and watched Star Trek as a family and had some treats. It was nothing special, but it was at least time together as a family. We haven't had an evening where we are all home at the same time in about 3 weeks. We really needed it and it was so much fun to cuddle with my three younger kids during the movie.
I am sure that my conductor was not impressed that I wasn't there last night, but I was keeping my biggest commitment of all. . . . the one I made to my family 11 years ago.
steamed artichokes
2 days ago
3 comments:
I've had to make that choice a few times too. This is why I stopped teaching piano for a little bit. I really needed to have my sanity and my kids deserved a happy mom. Good for you for making that choice!
Which is the most important and best commitment - definitely a good choice. I have those kinds of days all the time - as life just gets busier, the older your kids get :) Glad you could spend time together!
Miss you!
Good for you! Our family is our first priority and if you can't balance singing and family and every day life stuff, then you have to remove what doesn't fit so that family can come first. Christmas is such a busy time and we have to make sure we make time for the Savior and our families.
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