Kids will be Kids

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to listen to the LDS General Conference being broadcasted today. I've been thinking about a conference talk from the October Conference 4 years ago, given by President Monson, in which he said, 

"I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”

Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.

 

Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.

 

This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

 

...If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."

 

I just loved that talk! I have always delighted in watching my children play. I like listening to them use their imaginations. I like seeing their creations with building blocks. I like knowing that they are capable of entertaining themselves. The older they get, the less and less they play imaginatively and creatively. I savor the moments that I get to witness them playing, because I know that someday I will miss moments like these: