Bedtime is kind of a big deal for my boy and I. We talk in silly voices and we talk about the serious stuff that we don’t slow down for throughout the day. We read. We pray. If I’m lucky we snuggle.
I protect this time. I’ve left meetings early. I’ve skipped happy hours. I’ve rushed home from here and there, because bedtime is our time to reconnect.
On a recent night after the lights were out, my son asked me a question he had never asked before “Are you my sunshine?”
Sigh. My tired eyes filled with tears. I had not been his sunshine that day and I knew it. I had been more of a dark cloud with an occasional bolt of lightening. Crap. I want to be his sunshine. More than just about anything I want to be a bright spot in this world for my boy. A warm guiding light he can count on.
I quietly responded by saying “I wasn’t today.” Unfazed he sang You Are My Sunshine to me in a hushed sleepy voice. I can’t remember him ever singing the song before, but it was a precious performance. He was a ray of sunshine and I needed it. I basked in the warmth.
It had been one of those days. A day when I was overwhelmed by work, a printer that refused to work, and needed files ruined by a failed hard drive. A frigid day with errands to run and much to do. A day when upon coming home from buying lots of groceries I discovered the new dog has peed what seemed to be a gallon in her kennel and it was at that moment I realized I had no paper towels, despite the fact that they were on my grocery list.
The dog was as pleased with getting a bath as I was about going back to the store. It was just that kind of day. A day when I felt like I was falling behind in multiple directions. I was tired and tired of it all.
I begin nearly all of my days by saying to myself, “this is the day The Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I then pray and spend a few minutes thinking about what the day has in store and what I want to accomplish. It is a good sunny way to start the day.
On this day, I let the clouds creep in. I managed, I did the best I could, and let that be enough.
I got as much work done as possible. I got the mess cleaned up, the groceries put away, and the dog bathed. And as my husband returned from work and our son from school, I was in a dark mood. I knew it and I hated it. I made an effort to let the clouds part. I shared what was stressing me out. It would be great to say I worked out to relieve my stress, but I mixed a drink and we ate spaghetti. As we hung out together I began to feel better.
If there is anything I’ve learned as a lifelong Minnesotan, it is that today’s weather has no bearing on tomorrow’s. Likewise, my mood and perceived failures today don’t have to predict my mood or successes for tomorrow. I can let this day go. We are all entitled to some cloudy days. It doesn’t mean we are a failure.
My son knew I needed some sunshine and he gave it to me. The best day brightener ever. The words of that little song still echo in my ears and fill my heart. I will do my best to be my son’s sunshine, especially on his dark days when he needs it most.
Be someone’s sunshine.
~M
this story is so sweet. There is nothing as sweet as a child’s love. Sometimes that’s all we need.
Their love is so pure and given freely, we can learn much from them for sure. Thanks for commenting Leslie!
This is the day that the lord has made is a saying my grandmother used to always say! We had it as our wedding day hymn! Love it!
I love it too. I think I buy eggs at Aldi’s now just because I love that the verse is on the carton. Thanks for reading!
What a sweet story. “You are my sunshine” is such a touching song, brings me both happy and sad emotions. I can’t even begin to think how it would feel to hear my child singing that one to me. All those feelings!
We must always remember to be someone’s sunshine 🙂
Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you Ana. It definitely gave me all the feels!
What a lovely post, I hear you about being a Minnesotan 🙂
My kids are my sunshine (most of the day)lol
Thanks Kami! Yes, the weather here can keep us on our toes…cold toes.
What a sweet story of grace and love. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by Julie!
What an inspiringly lovely thought to live by! Be someone’s sunshine! I’ll have this ringing in my mind every day. Love it!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This spoke to me. I have many days like this and I do try to remember “This is the day…”
Glad it spoke to you Rochelle. We all need reminders!
Love the post. Made my eyes tear up. I have had quite the day, similar to what you wrote. Thanks for making me smile.
Thank you Annette. We all have “those days” and it is good to remember they pass and are just a day. Thanks for reading!
Absolutely sweet story, and I love your encouragement to “Be someone’s sunshine.” My children are so often mine too, and it always reminds me of the “You are my sunshine” song.
Thanks Tessa. Children are good sunshine makers!