Typing…

I love writing and sometimes I find that I express myself better when I write. A pal once told me that we are more honest when we communicate through writing than speaking. I tend to agree sometimes, especially when the point I’m making or the person I’m addressing makes me nervous.

I’ve noticed my baby sharks are also communicating more through notes and texts. We still talk many stories, some are constructive some are not. In hindsight, I think I’m the one who derails most conversations. I often forget I’m the adult and engage my kids as if they are my agemates. My bad. I’m still learning on the job as parenting has no dry run. You read (or make up) the manual as you go.

Coaching has helped but I still feel I’m a slow learner. I forget to actively listen and to sip water ( keep my mouth shut). At least I don’t struggle to apologize and we mend fences fast. My World Cup baby who I christened heir to my estate when she was born has taken it a notch higher now that she owns a phone. She still writes us notes when she’s aggrieved but also when she’s excited.

I’m learning to reciprocate by sending her a note back and hopefully, the message gets across. I like how the chats unfold in person after the notes have been processed. We grow in our understanding of one another. I find that writing gives me a chance to think through what I’m going to say. That way there is less room for saying stuff I will regret as compared to speaking. We are also told not to make binding decisions when we are too excited, too upset or angry. We need to be level-headed and sober when making important decisions that will affect us and others in the long term. Writing down also creates a record for one to keep referring to for further understanding.

Our kids see more, read more and hear more than we would want them to. However much we try to ficha (hide) they can sense our struggles and concerns. My girl once asked me if I would consider moving them to another school. It was a very random ask as we were talking about something unrelated to their schooling. I inquired why she would want to move and she said it might be cheaper.

I was both touched by her consideration but also somewhat disappointed in myself. Like I’m letting them down. As we talked over the next couple of weeks I realized that one of the places she picked my worries was from our evening prayers before we go to bed. She and her siblings pray for provision in one way or another. I’m glad they are hopefully realising that money doesn’t grow on trees but also that their parents are not super man and woman. The conversation is ongoing and I’m careful not to overburden them with adult concerns. They remain children and I shouldn’t fast forward that stage of growth because adulting will surely come and there shall be no escape hehe.

I enjoy chatting with my baby shark on the phone during the day and appreciate it even more when I’m away from home. Technology truly does bring folks together. She often sends me encouraging messages on Instagram and a recent one really touched me. It’s like she had felt me more than I feel myself. It was a prayer for her dad and I would like to share it with all the dads reading this.

PRAYER FOR DAD.

Dear God.

“ I come before you with a heart full of gratitude for the blessing of my dad, a man arranged by you for me, who has stood by me through thick and thin, loves me deeply, and always quietly protects me. Thank you for every moment of guidance, support, laughter, and even challenges we’ve faced together. May the remaining chapters of his life be filled with joy and love. Please bless him with good health and kindness. I also lift those who have lost their dads. Please embrace them in their times of sorrow. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”

That may have been those messages we are asked to type Amen and forward to others. But for me, it was my little queen’s heart interceding for her father. Pure love right there. Keep typing folks. It will improve many relations. A good life is a typing life…