Recently I have been thinking about and praying for my sweet sister Lauren who has four children under the age of six! Whew! Although I never had four, I do remember back to the days when my three were under the age of four or five or six. Such tiring and long days. This past weekend I was looking through old photo albums to get some pictures of my sweet, oldest daughter who will be turning 14 on Sunday. Such precious memories. Lots of hugs, kisses, cuddles on the couch, reading together, arts and crafts, enjoying nature...together...together...together. I want to tell my sister that these are really such sweet days, but she knows that. The reality is that they are tiring, draining, and, at times, discouraging days, too. But as that season passes and the Lord's faithfulness and goodness are what is seen "on the other side", it is a great reminder to me, too, that during these tiring, draining, and too often times, discouraging days that I find myself in, the Lord is faithful and good. I know that I will look back on these years when my not-so-little ones are practicing spreading their wings and becoming more and more who God created them to be each day, and I will remember precious memories of talking, laughing, reading together, working together, enjoying life together!
I know that all too soon our together times will be fewer and fewer as they go to college and follow the path that the Lord has laid out for them. Those times will, too, be filled with precious memories - just different from the season we are in right now..and certainly different from the toddler/young child season we have left behind. I so wish that on a daily basis, I would remember how sweet these present moments are and enjoy them to the fullest.
The list of what I'm thankful for continues:
7. God's faithfulness in spite of my faithlessness!
8. Children who are maturing in the things of the Lord and desire a right relationship with Him and with me!
9. Breaks from school - our co-op is taking a winter break this week. It is nice to breathe!
10. Family visits...this should count as multiple items because I love it when family visits. My sister Aimee and her awesome crew are coming this week for a few fun days.
11. Unexpected quiet moments...Jerry and Abigail are enjoying watching Randy's basketball game. I stayed home to shuttle to Alex from Show Choir. She is diligently working on a paper, and I'm blogging...quiet moments!
12. Diligent children - see #11.
13. Warm socks...certainly not a very spiritual thing to be thankful for...but,seriously, I have the coldest feet E.V.E.R. Thick, warm, fuzzy socks really make me smile :).
14. Old photographs! How often has the Lord used old photographs to remind me of His love, faithfulness, and goodness to me. Like the commercial says: Priceless!
One tired, but really happy mommy!!
