Are we raising grass or are we raising boys?

I played catch with my 3 boys this week. It felt really good to say yes when they asked and I think it surprised all of us. I said yes not because all the chores were done--rarely is that the case in our house--but because I heard a great story last week at the moms group that I go to. It was a great reminder of what is really important.

The story is about a farmer who had 4 sons. This particular farmer made use of all his land except for the front yard, which was the space where his wife took care of their grass and planted her flowers each year. She was especially proud of her front yard and quick to protect it from the trampling feet of her sons. Well, one day when the farmer decided it was time to teach the boys the great American game of baseball, he set up the bases in mother's yard and told the boys to get their mitts. When the mother heard the ruckus going on in the front yard, she ran to the front door, threw it open and yelled, "What is going on out here?!?" to which her husband yelled back, "Ma, are we raising grass or are we raising boys?" The woman said nothing and went back in the house. She appeared moments later with a catchers mitt in hand and joined in.

After I heard that story, I made a promise to myself that I would say yes more this summer when they ask me to do things with them. They are not going to be asking me to join in for too much longer so I need to make the most of it.