So this morning we did some chase around town, and I observed a little scene at the library. We were doing our business, picking out books, when a persistent little voice caught my attention.
“Buu-er-fy, Mommy, buu-er-fy, Mommy, buu-er-fy, Mommy, buu-er-fy, Mommy….”
Over and over and over he said it. This adorable little tyke was pointing to a spring decoration, a big cloth butterfly hanging from the ceiling of the library. His plea for attention went on for a long time, long enough that I started looking around for this absent Mommy. Who was with this little guy who could barely talk yet? Who was he talking to? Was he here alone?
Oh.
No, he wasn’t. Mama was across the room, gone into the land of her iPhone. Checked out.
Hey Mom – can I just give you a quick reminder?
A reminder of what’s most important?
It’s not facebook or twitter, it’s not your email, it’s not US News And World Report or The Blaze, it’s not this blog, it’s not any blog. It’s not your virtual Bible study, and it’s not even the medical research you need to do for your child’s ear infection or heart condition.
What’s most important is that little person who needs your attention, your ear, your interest, your smile, right now, just as much as he needs the very air he breathes. If you want him to talk to you when he’s twelve and sixteen and twenty-two, you’ve got to listen to him right now when he’s two. And three. And five. And nine. And always.
Right now.
Just sayin’.
