Don't Blink They Say...

"Blink and they'll be grown," they say.

"I blinked and whole years went by," they say.

It's true.

When you're all in with your kids, when you love with every bit of your heart, there are moments you look at them and realize...

you're right smack in the middle of a blink.

And you want so badly to stop it from coming.

But we know, there's no stopping a blink. It's necessary. It's natural. It's a reflex we can't control.

Maybe we can slow it down just a bit though.

What if we really open wide? If we lean in? If we focus our lens?

I know the blink will still come. I look at my children and understand that I can't stop it. I'm not supposed to. And it's the greatest blessing that they are growing and changing, just as they should be.

But, I can make sure that I remind myself each day, that we're in the middle of the blink.

That right now, in this instant, the blink is happening.

I can open wide, breathe in deep, and really take in my view.

And maybe one day I'll be able to say,

"I blinked and they were grown... But I saw it all. I soaked it in. I was there for it. And it was great."