People are more important than time

We had a moment of mass confusion at the 3:10pm school pick up this week. Coordinating the last minute change of plans for five people over three schools is an organizational feat. 

The youngest limped behind the long strides of older brothers towards the car before collapsing into my open arms, sobbing, face bleeding. And still one child was just nowhere to be seen. 

One was sent back to find the missing one - sadly to no avail. 

Turns out, the high schooler who got the change of plans txt was used to the old me - hurry hurry hurry - do it now! And hasn’t got the memo that I’m changing :p 

He diligently rushed everyone from junior school to the car park - which I’m positive contributed to the intense face vs concrete wounds of the youngest. He also decided that his sister was taking too long in the bathroom so she’d just have to figure out where the rest of the family was and how to get home.

As we were driving home (one child short) I gently suggested that whatever the circumstances ‘People are more important than time’. 

Are they?

Do I mean that?

I don’t think that sentiment would be expressed in my eulogy at this stage of my life.

Lord I want this to be said of the second half of my life. 

Let me pause and equally envelope when arms wrap around me

Let me put down the tea towel and listen when takes of woe are vulnerably shared 

Let me be graciously interruptible when you need me to love 

Let me say no to the unnecessary so I am fueled for what you ask of me

(We met the fifth child at the bus stop. She did wonder where her family went, but clearly not enough to investigate further. I’m thankful for her nonchalant attitude in that moment) 

Amen