My mom used to tell me, “Lighten up,” when I was a kid. I was such a serious little girl, seeing life as full of burdens and things to be accomplished. Her advice rings true today. Today I prayed as I walked through my house, picked up messes, did dishes. I prayed I wouldn’t miss out on my kids’ beauty.

I hollered at Julia last night for spilling something on the carpet. As if that really mattered. And this morning I moaned at Aidan when he informed me I needed to drive him to school for an early morning rehearsal.

I’m just too bothered. Too serious. Too focused.

I don’t want to be that way.

I do see, though, that I’ve grown in this area. I laugh more. I work hard at engaging. I don’t always do my best at this, but I am quick to recognize when I’m being a me-monster. I apologize when I do this. And I ask Jesus frequently for help.

Still, it’s not easy, is it?

I love this quote my friend Stacey sent me: “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” Oscar Wilde. Wise words from the man who penned The Importance of Being Earnest, one of my favorite plays.

What I sense from God in this: He is calling me to slow down, rest, re-evaluate, and recreate. When I get snippy and weird like this, it’s because I’m overburdened and overworked. It’s time to walk away, feel the breeze on my face, and fall in love with the beauty of my children. Jesus, let it be so.