I’ll never forget the time I almost chose work over my boys.

I almost chose work over my boys.  Last week I was reminded that thankfully I made the right choice.  First, let me say there are times that work MUST come first. I get that. I’ve done it before and will do it again. Cause unfortunately bride and grooms schedule their wedding day without factoring in my schedule. ha!  So there are times when I have to miss activities of the boys but I try to be conscientious about when work trumps my family time.

This spring John was a part of the junior high drama and loved it.  The cast performed Guys & Dolls and it was amazing.  John chose to be a part of the lighting crew and took his job very seriously and did wonderful.

About the same time this spring, I decided to open up a photography studio for Sweet Lemonade Photography. For the first time I was taking my business seriously.  I was calculating the cost of doing business, investing wisely in my business, reading books, taking online courses, and so much more.  For the first time, I 1) not only knew what I wanted and 2) had the mental capacity to focus on it now that my divorce was finally done 3) but I was ready to do whatever it took to make it happen.  I go to bed thinking about work and wake up thinking about it.  How can I offer a unique service to my clients?  Where should I be marketing?  When should the blogs be posted? Researching social media use and determining the best platforms to share and at what days and times.  I’m heading out to often to photograph using new equipment, studying light and posing, etc.  I am ‘all in’ with my business and determined to flourish.

Back to the junior high musical.  When it came time to buy tickets to the musical, I asked John which night he’d like me to come.  In my mind, John was not even performing so one night would be enough and then I can work the other evenings that the boys were with their dad.  His response when asked, “well Thursday night cause it’s parent night.” ok. “… And Friday night.”  Ok John, no problem, I’ll be there those two nights and then he quickly adds “….. and Saturday night,” and he chuckled.  “You want me to come every night?  Absolutely!  I’ll be there,” was my response.

In my mind as I was so consumed with work at the moment, I felt like one night to watch a play that he’s not even in would be sufficient.  I’m so thankful John spoke up and told me that he wanted me there all 3 nights. What a brave kid to share his feelings.  I went each night with a treat for him, smile on my face and an attitude that there was no where else I’d rather be.  I proceeded to direct my attention alternately to the stage and to a small table at the edge of the cafeteria where he was pushing buttons and doing his thing.

Last week, John found the DVD from the March performance of Guys and Dolls.  He put it in the dvd player and asked if I wanted to watch it with him to which I enthusiastically replied, “you bet!”  And then about halfway through the show I enthusiastically fell asleep. lol.  I enjoyed hearing him sing along to every song as we laid next to each other in bed watching the junior high kids work their magic on stage.  At one point, John casually said, “I’m really glad you came to the show every night.  Thanks.”

Those words filled me with emotion.  I loved that he expressed his appreciation.  I was thankful that I went to all of the shows.  It also filled me with relief that I made the right decision, thanks to John sharing his desire of me being there.  He was proud of his involvement and wanted to share that with me.  Of course he would.  I was proud of him for getting involved in something new, making new friends and working hard.

However, I was so preoccupied with what I thought needed to be done for work, that I contemplated not going to the show every night.  If he was on stage, I wouldn’t have ever considered missing.  But he wasn’t even on stage so I thought, ‘it will be ok to NOT go to all of them.’  But I’m so very glad I did.   Was his role of operating the lights less significant than a role on stage?  Nope.  It takes every single one of those kids and staff involved to make it a success.  But yet, I was making a distinction that was justifying my initial thought of not going to all of the performances.

After he thanked me for being there every night, I tried to think about what ‘critical’ work I hoped to accomplish by skipping the additional performances and I couldn’t remember.  But John remembers.  Not about my work.  John remembers something even more important… that I showed up.  That I cared.  That I supported him.  That I was there.  When we show up and are present in the moment, they remember.  And that is something neither of us will ever forget!

XOXOXO,

Heather

Heather is the owner of Sweet Lemonade Photography and co-owner of Sweet Darling Weddings.  Life gave her a bunch of lemons (you can read a little more here) and by keeping her focus on God, finding the positive in each day, and surrounding herself with supporting, loving and encouraging people she has turned those lemons into the sweetest lemonade.  This blog has been created to share her heart, her adventures and find ways to bless others.  You can contact her at heather@sweetlemonadelife.com.