We're a month into the 2010 school year and I thought we were finding our way into a nice rhythm.  Until yesterday.  A 6am hockey practice, two soccer games, figure skating, two birthday parties and a melt down (by one of my children not me). 

At the end of the very long day, as we all snuggled into my room for a "sleep-over" (our way of helping us all feel more connected) I found myself thinking of a line from a book my dear friend gave me (Mitten Strings for God - Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry).  It is this:

"All that is really important is invisible:  love, god, air"*   When I first read that line I remember it gave me such pause.  As a  mother, I am so often caught up in "things" that will make my kids happy.  This simple statement was a bold reminder of reminder of where to focus my energy.  I admit, this is not easy for me and imagine its not for most of you. 

So last night, as I lay there in bed listening to my entire family snorting and snoring around me, I thought seriously about what I had done yesterday, heck in the past week, to take care of the invisible in my home.  Fortunately I came up with a few...and even had one gift I had given myself (my early morning runs that fill me up with sanity and patience). 

In the end, as the keeper of the invisible in my home, I find great comfort in my role.  Because the secret - as the author says - is simple.  When we take care of the invisible we are taken care of in return. 

All that said, I must now go.  Lot's to do today and so little time :-).  

*Peggy O'Mara, author of The Way Back Home.