Recently it occurred to me that finally in my 27^th year of being a mom, that I have grown to be more of the mom I wanted to be. Before you click to a more “real” blog, stop. I’m not saying I have arrived in any fashion. But I have seen growth and change in me, and isn’t that one of our goals as moms—to grow and mature and be more of the mom our kids need?

So how did this happen? In what way did I change?

My parenting style has always been one of doing instead of being. A fairly typical Martha. I struggled taking time out to play with my kids. I believe kids need to learn to play alone and with each other, but mom and kid are blessed when they play together. And I did play with my kids, but not as much as I wished I would have.

This summer that changed. I have become the playing mom. Yep, my kids are grown now—27, 25, 20. And they still like to play. A large portion of my schedule this summer is taken up with a class—both on site and doing homework. My girls also have full schedules. So when we both have time to be together, I take it. Last week I sat by the pool with Kelsey and Katie. Earlier in the week Kerry and I took an impromptu short shopping trip before she returned to Chicago. Today Katie, Kelsey, and I will make peach jam. All of this fun is happening while the dust in my house thickens, the garden remains unattended (some would say, “What garden?”), my windows still have winter’s film, and numerous projects around the house remain untouched. I am finally okay with all of that. Who knows where each of us will be next year or the year after? Today we have time to make peach jam. The weeds and dust and old wallpaper will wait. Today I’m making memories with my girls.

When I was a young mom I heard this message more than once. I didn’t get it. Now I’m a seasoned mom. I get it. Whatever stage of mothering you’re in, even if you don’t get it, you will. Take a few minutes today and play. I promise you will not regret it.

I’d love to hear about the fun you and your kiddos have today.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.