As a mother of three, mornings are hectic, and as much as we try to prepare the night before there is always something that is out of sorts – where is my chapstick, my pancakes fell on the floor, oh-no today is a gym day… where is my bag? So after making sure they had their probiotics, fish oil and vitamins, there is one thing that takes 2 minutes that I think makes the most difference on their health.
Before they rush off to school, I pray with each of them individually. It doesn’t matter if you believe in God or not, it could be a two minute hug and pep talk.
For me, the two minutes that I spend with them, with their eyes closed, in a hug, is time spent reaffirming that they are smart, will work hard, time spent voicing positive outcomes for something they are struggling with and praying for their hopes and dreams. It is two solid minutes where nothing else in the world matters, but the spiritual and emotional health of that one child.
This tradition is a gift my mother gave to me as a child and I hope they will remember those two minutes of calm as fondly as I do.