Living Life to the Very Fullest

Listening to my children's giggles at this very moment, the mantra of "live life to its fullest" is ever present in my mind. Having five children ranging in ages from 12 months (she just celebrated her birthday yesterday!) to 8 years old can sometimes feel more burdensome than joyful but at moments like these when the kids are playing well with one another and exhibit no care or thought for what tomorrow brings, I am reminded that I should live life to its very fullest for indeed who knows what tomorrow will bring. There could tragic, life-altering circumstances that may rob me of the very joy I currently bathe in as a wife and mother of five beautiful children. My actions and words should therefore reflect the idea that tomorrow may never come, thus what I accomplish today should be done in such a way that I will have no regrets.

In this fast-paced world it is often difficult for adults to devote carefree time with their families for there is the ever-looming burden of bills to pay, obligations to fulfill, and for some, the stress of wondering if they will continue to have a job by the end of the day. All of these circumstances rightfully weigh a person down, however, these circumstances cannot be the driving force of why we exist and go through each day. The idea of living simply to wake up each morning and clock in for a job is overwhelmingly depressing! I believe many of us have lost our purpose for existence - especially those who are parents and have children at home watching how we respond to circumstances. Yes, we need to work in order to provide an environment that is conducive for children's growth and well-being, however, let us not neglect the most important facet of our children's growth: time spent with their parents.

Although most parents carry heavy burdens these days, we should not and cannot afford these burdens to stand in the way of us spending time with our children. Let us take time to enjoy moments of carefree thoughts and activities no matter is the time is but fifteen minutes of hide-and-go-seek or tossing a baseball ball outside. Living life to the fullest does not simply encompass what we as parents want to do, need to do, but rather it entails time well spent and love devoted to our children. A deadline looms in the distance while a child quietly peers over his parent's shoulder, longing to spend time with him. What will you do today to live life to the fullest?

Keeping a Happy Attitude Amidst an Economic Crisis

The current economic state of our country has not only effected banks, CEOs, and politicians, but rather it has hit home most in the family. Marriage counselors have often stated that one of the major causes for fights between couples is that of finances and with the slippery economy our nation now faces, it is no wonder that relationships among family members is being hit hardest. How can one keep a marriage relationship strong and thriving when a spouse has recently lost his job? How can familial relationships encourage one another even when parents are having to cut back and cannot afford to spend money on fun items for their children or take a trip to a local museum, amusement park, or restaurant? With so many talking heads saying that the economy has yet to hit rock bottom, how can our marriage and family relationships survive the pressures and demands that face us?

It is important to remember that love is not built on wealth or rather love should not base its foundation upon the expectation of receiving things, having a certain lifestyle for when hard times come like the current economic crisis, this "love" will fold and collapse upon which it becomes too costly to get a divorce, thus the couple is forced to simply coexist. That idea sickens me to the very core as I have a family and the idea of not being able to afford my kids the simple luxuries of trips to the zoo, eating out once a week, going to the movies, etc. disheartens me. And the fact that my husband and I are both without jobs is also extremely troublesome but what can we do except to keep plugging away, filling out job applications, and praying that something soon will turn up!

Does this state of lack of jobs affect my relationship with husband and children? I would be lying if I said it didn't but I also have to remember that this state is not what defines the love my husband and I have for each other. We both meant the whole idea of "for richer or for poorer." Sure, we're in the "poorer" state of our lives, actually the poorest ever in our ten year marriage, but so what? We love and support each other and we are not going to let this economy cause a rift or struggle between us nor will we sit and mope and become irritated about the things we cannot do nor afford. We love our kids and we will continue to have family time whether that means playing games at home instead of going to the movies or eating hamburgers at home instead of eating out at a restaurant.

Any family or marriage relationship can survive these difficult economic times, but it will not be easy. We must determine to make the relationships work and figure out creative ways in which to develop, cultivate, and strengthen the love in these relationships that are most important to us. There is no need to be down, depressed, irritated, and agitated during today's economic state; those feelings will arise, but look around you and see what is most important - your family, your spouse, your children. Seize every opportunity to show them love for their love will reciprocate and may propel you forward to finding the job you need to make it through this crisis. And when you come out on the other side, you will not be alone but rather you will have your most significant relationships with you.