every morning.
This morning.
Monday morning.
The alarm went off at 5:40am.
I had to get up.
Almost a month ago I committed to myself that I would get up and going walking and mix in some sprints to get my metabolism jump started again.
I had decided that there was time in the morning while the kids were getting dressed.
There was time between the dressing and family prayer and scriptures. I could go exercise instead of waiting around for everyone to be ready.
I went alone that first morning.
The quiet, cool morning was beautiful. It gave me time to think, meditate, pray, and get myself ready for the day ahead.
That same afternoon the girls found out about what I was doing. They wanted to go too. They asked me to wake them up the next morning.
I said I would. I didn’t think they would.
But they did.
And every morning since them (except one) they have.
I thought I was not going to like it. I thought they would complain and not keep up. I though I would end up with no time to think…
Okay…that last thing…that part is true.
But the other parts…the not keeping up and the complaining. They aren’t true.
They look forward to the time we have together…
and so do I.
I get out of bed that early to hear about details at school involving friends, how they feel about life, finding an amazing moth in the middle of the road that we thought was a gravity-defying leaf. And to see dinosaur clouds, dog skeleton clouds chasing food, flocks of seagulls clouds, and to feel enthusiasm that no one would need coffee to be invigorated by…
There is leaping and bouncing and jumping and non-stop chatting.
There are also quiet moments when none of us say anything and there is Emma who counts her steps every morning and picks up where she left off yesterday. She doesn’t count every step…only the ones where there is a long strip of new asphalt.
She’s at 6,100.
And I’m thinking back to how this happened. How did I end up waking my girls at 5:40am to go exercise?
Weeks ago I needed something. I was discouraged and depressed. It felt like I wasn’t making the difference I wanted to make. My message wasn’t being heard. It seemed like every effort was blocked. To me, nothing was working. My hope was waning. Only bad things seemed to be happening. I wasn’t seeing possibilities. Instead of growing everything was going backwards. I felt small. Very small.
I decided that, as cheesy and new age-y as it sounds, I needed some reminders. I put up, all around my house, little mantras on post it notes…things that I hoped would help me out of the funk I was in.
When the girls asked me to wake them at 5:40am one of the little post it notes I have on my kitchen cupboard rang in my head: Say, “Yes. How can we figure this out?”
And it’s changed my mornings.
Now, I exercise everyday because I know they are counting on me.
And because there’s no better way to start the day.
11 Comments
About 5 years ago, I was single in college. I had some classes at the Ogden institute from the fabulous Brother Fear. He opened my eyes and heart to so many gospel truths. I was always grateful for his insight. Through the months of classes he told us of his lively family, and showed us the latest laptop screensaver, a picture of his lovely wife. That is how I became acquainted with your work and website. It is days like today, and posts like yours, that make me see small connections in my life… A great institute teacher affected my life, and years later, I am influenced by reading the words of his wife. Now, 5 years later, I am married, with a 10 month old boy and baby girl on the way. I just wanted to say thank you for posts. So often, I feel inspired and realize my blessings. Sometimes it’s hard to step outside of our own bubble to know we’re doing a good job. I am continually impressed and inspired to be more engaged in the life of my son and husband. You’re making a difference 🙂 thank you Davina!
Nikki, thank you for these beautiful note. Congratulations on the last 5 years that have been so full of beautiful milestones! I’m so happy for you and the sweetness that you’re getting to enjoy. I know that you have many days that are chaotic and crazy. Those days are full of so many new adventures as parents and as a mom. Thank you for your encouragment. I’m especially thrilled that you’ve been inspired to be more engaged in your life with your son and husband. It’s what I’ve been trying to do with my own little family and it makes me so excited to hear that others are feeling that same closeness and awareness!! I’m so glad to hear about your last 5 years!
I LOVED this! so encouraging. makes me miss you and the energy you bring to the work of the thirst relief mentor auction! I’d love for our family to visit yours sometime when we are out and about on the road!
be blessed,
jim
Of course, we would love to see you, Lara, and the kids!! What fun. 🙂 Let’s do it soon. When will you be out this way? I live about 40 minutes south of Charlotte, NC. (I miss the TR auction, too…)
I love that you’re doing this with the ladies. You inspire me.
Thank you. I’m grateful for the inspiration that comes to me by talking to you. Thank you for listening…I love you.
this is awesome. I love that you have exercise partners right in your own house 🙂 The best kind! What a cool story!
Me, too! I never would have guessed that they would have wanted to go with me at the crack of dawn. You never know…where good stuff is going to come from. 🙂
Love, love, love this. 🙂 Glad they’re helping you out of your funk!
Thank you, Shannon!! So good to see you here!
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