there are positives and negatives. I can't say I just love every moment of parenting. I can't say I'm a natural at parenting. I can't say with confidence I'm a great parent. What I can say is so far "these are the best years of my life." I'm doing right now what I was meant to do. I was made to help guide these boys into men and show them the choices God has given them. For doing that I get to witness some of the coolest things.
I get to sit front row at every game, concert, and event they're in. I get to see the cogs clicking into place when they learn something new. I get to measure maturity in ways that psychologist can't measure. I get to wipe tears and feel their pain all the way to my soul. And I get to appreciate four someones like NO ONE else will ever appreciate them again.
For all the hustle and bustle and hub bub that goes with four active boys I love being the taxi, the snack mom, the room mother, the carpool mom, the team mom, the encourager, the snuggler, the nurse, the psychologist, the reader of chapter books, and hot cocoa maker with extra marshmallows when a bruised ego needs a little lift, and the one who sees the yet realized potential waiting to be unearthed.
Sometimes I'm scared that my prayers for my children lack enough faith. I'm scared that all my hope for them will fall short. I'm afraid I'll let God down, by not getting it right. I'm afraid I'm going to miss out on these great times. I'm afraid that they have choices, and they may not choose what's best despite my blood, sweat, and tears. And...There you have it, the point of it all summed up in one little sentence.
When it's all said and done, I can sleep well at night because they are mine to treasure for a while, but they ultimately belong to The King, the one who truly shed blood, sweat, and tears. The one who says "yes, I see you the same way you see them."
"Thank you for not being stingy and thank you for not giving up!
I was wondering, would it be too much to ask you to slow time down--just a bit? I want to savor every moment. Is it just me, time seems to be moving too fast...? What time is it anyway? Ah, yes my favorite time. They're sleeping and I get to sneak into their rooms, tuck the covers up tighter, pray over them, and marvel at their beauty."
December 3, 2008
In parenting, like all aspects of life...
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6 comments:
I love you, A! Thank you for leading the way! Parenting can be such a scary thing without God and brothers and sisters who have gone before.
And it is one of my most favorite times as well - there is nothing quite like a sleeping child to remind us how we are supposed to have peace that goes beyond all understanding.
Amen! Amen and Amen! Thank You, Sister Girl!
I love you and your boys!
Oh! and here's a giggle, the word verification for me this morning (on your comment page) is ASPIRIN... ha! ha! ha! ha!
Andrea, this is a post for the ages. This is a post from the hearts of mothers throughout time. Thank you for articulating it for us.
A,
Love how you express "YOU" in your writings!!! As for asking God to "slow time down", God has his OWN Time for all things!!
The best advice,having gone through the stage you are now in, enjoy EVERY moment of being a mom at this stage of life. You definitely are doing just that!!
I think the knowledge of knowing that time passes so quickly, enables us as moms to savor all the moments of the stages we're in and be humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as a mom.
Not to say, that transition from one-stage-to-another isn't a little bittersweet, I still can't imagine the journey, the blessing and the privilege of being a MOM isn't worth the bittersweetness!! God is SO wise and good!!!
Love you,
T
I love reading your posts, Andrea! You know I can relate, even though mine are younger than yours. I at least feel slightly more normal when I read your thoughts, feelings, joys and sorrows. :o)
I haven't written anything sentimental in a while, but reading your post makes me think it might be something I'd enjoy reading again years down the road. I might have to do that soon. Thanks for writing!
P.S. Are your boys as silly as mine? My word verification is "waionies," and my first thought was that it sounded like a word my kids would get the giggles over. :o)
Lisa, Yes my boys are VERY silly. They would have laughed at the word verification too.
Thanks for reading and posting. I enjoy your blog too because, I know I'm not completely off my rocker either. We mom's of boys must stick together.
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