Being a mommy is the greatest joy in the world. From carrying new life and feeling those first wiggles, to that first cry and smile... on through all the little stages. It couldn't be more rewarding.

But lately I've been thinking, I don't always focus on the rewards. I don't look for the joy in the mundane. I don't revel in each new step. I let it slip past because I'm too busy trying to make sure everything runs smoothly. I miss the excitement of 'helping mommy make the cake', because I want it to be 'perfect' for my little girl. I miss the grin of delight at the gifts, as I'm trying to take the 'perfect' picture to save the memory. I miss the opportunity to share hearts with my three year old, because 'that's the fifth time you asked that question, now just obey'. And at the end of the day I stop and think... I'm too busy.

I'm too busy living in the fast lane to walk through the flowers with my three year old. To really slow down, and see her joys, and her frustrations. To listen to her jabber, and jabber, and jabber some more. But if I'm too busy today, and it's just 'jabber', when is that going to change? When am I going to be less busy? When is it going to change and be 'jabber' no longer? When she's 6 and starting school? When she's 12 and growing into a young lady? When she's 20 and getting married??

I realize I need to look for and find the rewards in being a mommy today. To stop my own hustle, and listen to the heart of my little girl (even if it's 'just' her telling me for the tenth time that she wants *this* doll in the catalog, or that 'Cinderella has the other slipper, Mommy'.)

You know, those eager eyes turned towards mine are looking for something. When she looks, is she going to have her heart filled? Or is she going to see a mommy that is too preoccupied and busy to notice her. We all need affirmation, and I want to be there for each one of my princesses.

I wrote this several months ago and realized today that though I never published it I needed to read it again. I thought maybe there is another mommy who could be encouraged, and I'm putting it out for you all, even if it is old.