Parents are unpredictable

My daughter read this quote to me from her Amazing Days of Abby Hayes book, "Parents are unpredictable. They get angry when you forget to take colored markers out of your jeans pockets before putting them in the wash and other dumb things like that. When it comes to something really important, though, like accidents and blood and stitches, they're understanding and calm. (Does this happen all the time with everyone's parents? Or was I just lucky? I don't want to test this idea out!)"

We laughed about it - because it's so true. Then I started thinking about the rest of my life. How much energy do I waste being frustrated or angry about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things? I know I've come a long way in this area, but I also know I have moments or days where I spin my wheels over things that don't really matter - they just feel like it in the moment.

What could I do with that time and energy that is wasted on those things? And how much better would I feel if I let the little stuff go?

Right here, right now, I vow that the next thing that comes along and frustrates me, makes me angry, or makes me scared, I will stop - take a deep breath - ask myself "Is this just a marker in the wash or is it really important?" Then put my time and energy toward the things that really matter to me.