Remember What's Important

Our relationship is more important than whether we walk or drive to school.
Our relationship is more important than whether you walk or ride in the stroller.
Our relationship is more important than whether we get where we’re going on time.
Our relationship is more important than whether or not you wear sandals outside when there is snow on the ground and it’s 35°.
Our relationship is more important than you and your sister existing in perfect harmony.
Our relationship is more important than tidying your room or tidying your toys.
Our relationship is more important than tidying the house, washing the dishes, doing the laundry, cooking the dinner or cleaning the car.
Our relationship is more important than whether you eat all your food, even if it means that 10 minutes later you will tell me you’re hungry…again.
Our relationship is more important than the amount of toilet paper you use that blocks the toilet…again.
Our relationship is more important than whether or not you flush the toilet, wash your hands, brush your teeth, comb your hair, close your coat, wear your gloves, or even wear your underwear.
Our relationship is more important than saving the world’s supply of band aids.

That’s not to say that all of these situations are unimportant or don’t require negotiation, limit setting, consistency or a little loving firmness. But in these moments (and the many others that arise in our days), it helps to remember what’s really important.