Tea Time Realization

So...today, I experienced my first true tea party. I was provided some 'tea', 'food' of my choice, and watched while I 'consumed' these items. For anyone who knows, or has ever known me, this is not me at all. I always said I could never bring myself to pretend to eat or drink foods in any ridiculous kind of ceremony, no matter what. I remember stating the following to a friend who'd shared she had spent much of her morning having a tea party with her daughter. "Tea party? Me? Never. I don't see the purpose or what it would benefit my daughter to involve myself in one. I don't know, I just don't see myself having fun or being convincing enough as I pretend I'm enjoying it."


I guess I was wrong. This morning, my children requested a tea party. I brought out the tea party set and encouraged them to play nicely together.


Iniabasi asked, "Mommy, you don't want to play with us?"


I attempted to give a reason I could not participate, but I couldn't look at those questioning eyes and simply tell him the truth: "I just don't want to play". So, I told him I would love to join them. In unison, they responded rather loudly, "Yay, Mommy!"


I was directed to my side of the 'table' by Iniabasi. Mayomikun presented me with a cup atop a saucer, along with a spoon. Abasianam 'poured' me tea, and Iniabasi took my food order and made a few suggestions. I could not very well ruin this moment and not give them the opportunity to serve me, as I have them so many times. They were just seeking an opportunity to imitate me and allow me to partake in their idea of how grown-ups behave. 


Simply watching them made me realize just how important my words and actions are. These little beings, so eager to learn, sponges, just itching to grown up, do what adults do, be like their parents. It made me smile but saddened me at the same time. Soon, these little people will be going off to high school, college, and taking over the world. Therefore, I, as a parent, need to be more mindful of my choices. I need to ensure my words are uplifting, so they can grow to be confident individuals. I need to help hone their skills, to encourage them in their God-given talents. Every fiber of their beings require me to assure they have a sense of hope and purpose.


However, at the same time, the sadness came from the realization that they would not forever be 5, 3, and 2. At some point in time, I will lose these tiny beings to a world that will attempt to influence them, change who they are, make them question the way they were raised, have them wondering if some of the things we've instilled in them truly have worth or meaning. I have a task before me, greater than any I had ever really considered, and I believe I am up to it. I just need to equip myself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially for the journey ahead.