Keeping Things in Perspective

I think everyone can admit to getting caught up in the moment every once in a while and forgetting to keep things in perspective. I'm certainly guilty of this.  Life can be stressful and overwhelming and there are definitely times when all I want to do is bury my head in a pillow and forget about everything that's going on around me. 

And while I think mini-meltdowns like this are completely normal from time to time (and possibly even necessary once in a blue moon), I do think we can all improve on (and benefit from) keeping things in perspective...

So when I was listening to Pandora the other morning while getting ready for work (with my self-proclaimed amazing mix of stations including Zac Brown Band, Tim McGraw, John Mayer and Lady GaGa), I connected emotionally (though I'm not admitting to shedding tears...but I'm pregnant, so if I did, that's totally acceptable) to one song in particular, Darius Rucker's It Won't Be Like This For Long.

First of all, let me just say thank you to Darius Rucker for making the transition into Country Music.  While I most definitely enjoyed your time with Hooty & the Blowfish, there's something about your writing (not to mention your voice) that was truly meant for Country Music.  I have yet to hear a song that I haven't enjoyed. 

More specifically though, thank you for writing this simple masterpiece that paints such a clear picture of what it means to keep things in perspective when it comes to being a parent.  Being that parenting is one of life's biggest challenges, it's nice to have songs like this that can quickly remind you of what's most important - being present, patient and loving. 

The lyrics are below, but if you haven't heard this song on the radio already, I'd highly recommend checking it out on iTunes (or wherever you prefer listening to your music).

Have a great weekend everyone!  And if you have any music/song suggestions, I'd love to hear 'em!  My iPod is always in need of new tunes...

Darius Rucker - It Won't be like this for Long

He didnt have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It wont be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in there bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now dont you worry
This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know your gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the isle
And he'll raise her vale
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he dont mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long