“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.”
Titus 2:3-4 (NIV)
It’s been so long since I’ve taken the time to sit down and write. I intended to keep blogging throughout the summer. I also intended to take my kids to the pool at least four days a week and visit several Smithsonian museums. My summer, however, had different plans for me. Surgery, attending a conference and sickness took over. I’m just beginning to recover from a crazy summer. But a new season is upon us and my old plan of posting once a week is back in force. I even have some new ideas and can’t wait to share them with you. But for today, I simply want to share with you what has been on my heart for the last couple of weeks.
Last week was the first week of school for the Bennett household. Lauren and Brennan are entering 5th and 2nd grades. It’s an interesting time of year. For most kids it’s faced with groans and sorrow. Gone are the days of swimming, sleeping in and endless play dates. All are replaced with early morning alarm clocks, homework and tests. Parents on the other hand tend to welcome school with glee. I recently saw an advertisement for an office supply store. Two children stood slouching with mournful faces while their father sailed behind them atop his shopping cart, leg kicked up behind him, smiling ear to ear, all while “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” played in the background. The message was clear. Parents can’t wait to send our kids back to school. I have to admit, in the past I’ve felt the same. No more entertaining, less fights to mediate and a quiet cup of coffee in the morning. Ahhhhh! But this year was different. Although my unorganized side craved the structure of school routine, my Mommy side was not looking forward to days of empty quietness.
What brought on this change of heart? I’m not exactly sure. It doesn’t really matter to me. What does matter is that the change took place. I’ve taken heed to the many older moms who have told me to “Enjoy your little ones now. They’ll be grown before you know it.” It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed my children, but I have let the “duties” of motherhood steel some of the joy. I love my children and want to enjoy every phase and moment of their lives. (We’ll see how I feel when they hit the teenage years.)
So, thank you to the many moms who have encouraged me to be a mother who loves every season of child rearing, even summer. I’m sure I’ll be coming to you for more encouragement, especially as my children approach their teens. And to you who have little ones, I leave you with one word of advice. Enjoy your little ones now. They’ll be grown before you know it.
2 comments:
I love this one. I once again have come to learn to enjoy my children while I have them. I know mine are all grown, but they are still with me and for the first time in a long time I'm not in a huge hurry to get them out on their own. I'm enjoying their company, their laughter, their antics. Soon enough they'll be out on their own and I'll be worrying at night in the dark about how they are doing and where they are at. This wisdom you have spoken of is true for ALL stages of motherhood! Thanks!
I'll take that advice! :)
It seems like just yesterday your kids were Amberlin's age - and look how big they are! I want to enjoy every minute. It's already going too quickly!
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