It’s kind of ironic, motherhood. We groan about our hectic, unglamorous lives when we are raising families. And then when the kids leave for college and we finally have the freedom to do fun things again like poop alone, we cry. The house suddenly feels empty and we long for the chaotic days of snotty noses and soccer practice.
We are strange, self-punishing creatures, always wanting what we can’t have.
Don't we do the same thing with life too? Men and women alike. We get complacent with today so we make plans for tomorrow, and count down to event XYZ. Before we know it, ten years fly by and we are scrambling to get back the good ol days.
I'm guilty of it. This summer I've been creating countdowns like it's my job- to the beach, to Saturday, to 5 o'clock. I stalk the Internet for Labor Day cabin rentals before we even unpack our bags from our family trip to South Carolina. Making future plans seems more exciting than consciously enjoying the here and now.
I unintentionally wish time away on a regular basis. And I know that's a scary game to play. It's even scarier now that I have a little girl who looks older every time I lay eyes on her. Her baby cheeks are gradually slimming, and she just used her words to tell me she wants a banana. She's getting be such a big girl- I'm proud and startled at the same time.
By the time we start counting down to Christmas, I'm going to have a 2 year old on my hands. And then before we know it, high school is here.
So, I'm making a new vow; a vow to love the moment I'm living in. Everyday. Not because life is presently perfect - it's never going to be perfect. But because I can't afford to wait for tomorrow to tell me how special today is.
This stage of life might be mundane, but it's sweet in it's simplicity. My prayer for Saturday mornings is to let time linger, and soak it up like the coffee in my mug. Even if we are just cuddling on the couch under a fuzzy blanket watching Elmo, I'm going to savor the cuddles.
And tonight at bedtime, I'm going to close my eyes and patiently rock my growing baby to sleep, with my cheek squeezed into hers. She will be too big to rock to sleep in just a few short months...
My hope for everyday is to pause, and appreciate the time I have with my child on this very day in our lives.
Today, just as sure as the string cheese in my hand, I’m going to embrace this moment of parenthood. And then one day, when my children are grown and I have the time and forethought to buy myself adult snacks at the grocery, I will cherish that moment too.
There is beauty in the mundane, and I want to enjoy every second. I'm vowing to live in the present (or at least I'm planning on it). 😉