thanks to Laura, for this guest post.  I personally needed to hear this…enjoy!

I’m realizing that maybe the most precious part of my day, my mama-daily-grind, is wrapped up in 30 minutes.

30 minutes of intentionality.

30 minutes of out-of-sight iphone.

30 minutes of presence.

Life is hectic, too hectic frequently, am I right?

Some days I’m not sure whether I’m coming or going. In a whirlwind that is my life: sticky-snack messes, laundry, cooking, ministry, exercising, emails…the important things can get lost.

Misplaced in the shuffle.

I am a task-oriented person. And as much as I adore people and relationships, the task is my default.

What can I do, accomplish, conquer? How?awesome can be today?

And while productivity can be a good thing, it can often leave myself and my family in a sad, lonely state.

I mean, if an extra load of laundry is separating me from memories made and tighter bonds formed with my 4 loves, it’s all for nothing.

So, in my recovering rules-bent/legalistic self, I am reminding myself to live out a guideline, a goal if-you-will.

Spend 10 intentional, glorious minutes fully-focused, fully-present on each child, everyday.

And yes, I know what you might be thinking. 10 minutes isn’t really that long of a time frame, Laura. I get it. And I totally agree.

But if I can aim for that 10 minutes, it is my starting point, my recovering addict-of-merit beginning.

I remember when Landon (our oldest) was a baby and toddler. I would spent hours upon hours with him. Gushing at his cuteness, peering over his crib. Stacking blocks and knocking them down with ensuing precious baby giggles in his room. We’d go for walks, read books…nearly all of my time was for him and with him.

Now that sweet boy is nearly 5, Charlotte is 3 and Aiden turned 1 at the end of March. I’m a busy mama.

Landon loves playing Lego’s or Playmobile guys right now. His creativity and desire to engage in conversation and the “big boy” world just blesses my heart.

Charlotte prefers her princess castle. Ariel and Sleeping Beauty often have lunch, discussing what pie to bake or their latest princess dress. She is my girlie-girl?to the core.

Aiden, as a typical 1-year-old, is a wildcard. We can read books (okay, one book at time), build a block tower or play peek-a-boo. He’s my easy-going love.

I try to engage with the kids where they’re at, in whatever activity they want Mama to play.

Life has it’s ebbs and flows, and this season is a bit nutty. Beautiful, but nutty.

We all have to start somewhere. And after taking inventory, this is my somewhere.

In what areas of your life are you sensing the need to be more intentional?

Through Unspeakable Joy,

Laura

you can find Laura on her blog, Facebook, twitter, and instagram.