This past weekend was full of activity.  Yesterday, we took our girls with some friends to the Barnum and Bailey Circus at  George Mason University.  Just being there was bit nostalgic.  The last time I went to the circus was when I was kid with my grandparents in Austin, Texas.  I remember the animals, the clowns, the music, the bright colors, the syrup from the snow cones, and the purple cotton candy.  All of these images brought it back as if it were yesterday, except this time I was seeing it through my kids eyes. 

I am not saying everything at the circus was the same, but the experience had the ability to take me back to that moment.  What is it about the circus that takes us all to that kid place.  As I looked at my three kids, I cannot believe how fast time flies.  I found myself watching my kids more than the actual event.  I was captivated with Hannah and Sydney slurping on their snow cones while Lexie was licking her fingers because of the sticky cotton candy.  Yes, the tickets were outrageous, and the concessions were robbery, but Barnum and Bailey knows they are selling more than products.  They are selling a longing within all of our hearts to dream, be a kid, and to freeze time to be with our kids.

If you are like me, I let job and the stress of life cloud my perspective of what matters most.  I fall into the trap of taking myself and my worries way too serious.  Then sitting at the circus, if even for a moment things fall into proper perspective.  I love being a dad.  I love seeing my kids enjoy life.  I love seeing the wonder in their eyes.  Do they know how important they are to me?  I hope so, but I am going to tell them tonight just in case they don’t!

Well as you face another week which may feel more crazy than a three ring circus, take time to pause to see life through your kids eyes.  It will be the most serious thing you can do this week.