Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The past week or so...







There hasn't been much excitement in and around our place- other than the ususal that just comes from having a housefull of kids. We had a short break from school for parent-teacher conferences. I took a short break from blogging at the same time.
I will admit that I tend to get a heavy heart at times, worrying and concerning myself with the burdens of other peoples' lives to the point where it starts to impose on the life I have at hand. It's a constant juggle for me- a permanent tension in my heart. The compassion and concern I have for the needs and heartache of others tugs so strongly on my heart. I do a lot of praying, and lately I find myself asking God, "what do you want me to do?". Sometimes there are no easy answers. That's where I've found myself lately. I have picked up some books and done some reading, and some scrapping and just taken time to be thoughtful and reflective.
But I also have tried to just 'take time'. Here are some of my favorite thoughts/moments from the past few weeks...1) Just watching and loving my kids at play. Nothing is so carefree as a kid jumping on a bed (supervised closely, I might add!). 2) Surprise icecream dots and red velvet cupcake tea parties. 3) Face-to-face time with daddy...ALL fun and games- as usual. =) 4) Sharing stories at bedtime- especially chapter books with Brock. We're halfway through Where the Red Fern Grows right now... 5) Listening to Bella count to 109. I didn't even know she could make it past 30 until she started her countdown while she splashed in the tub last night. 6) Being FULLY present in these ordinary moments and recognizing their simplicity- yet profund touch they have on my life. And hopefully will have on my family as well.

10 comments:

Pam said...

Amen!! You took the thoughts right out of my head. My hubby has to constantly remind me not to wish away their childhood. I think being back at work (I work where my kids go to school) has made it easier for me to do the "I can't wait till we're empty nesters!" thing, but then to watch them play school reminds to stop, enjoy and even start journaling about them so I never forget these little moments!!

Anonymous said...

I miss all of you and the smiles and fun that are so present in your house on a daily basis. Tell everyone I said hello!

Marva said...

I so know what you mean! I just blogged earlier tonight about the precious moments we share with our children. They're growing up entirely too fast!

Jamie said...

You are so wise and insightful, so encouraging and inspiratinal! I am so thankful I have found your blog!

metrochic said...

Okay, #2? Fab!

GUUUUUH I LOVE YOU YOU ARE AWESOME OOH INSPIRE ME OOH GUUHH

Misty said...

I just love your #6. I may have to quote you on a scrapbook page. ;-)

FlipFlop Mom said...

AMEN!!
If there's one thing I'm learning.. my children are growing right before my eyes.. and there are days when I realize.. I have missed something.. and it's heartbreaking.. cause I can never get those back...
I don't want to smother my kiddos.. but I don't want to miss a beat either... Ü

I had parent teacher confrences.. and I CRIED through my sons... sighhh...

Just Me said...

Thanks so much for this. You put my feelings into words when I could not. I have been struggling with my emotions and a "heavy heart" because of the burdens of so many around me. I too have been praying about what I am supposed to do. I want to "fix it" and "make it all better", or at least "do SOMETHING!" (that's the nurse in me, I guess!). Today I spent the day in prayer and reflection at a women's retreat (with the theme "A Time to Be Grateful"). I hope that helps. Having words for my feelings definitely does--thanks for that!

Anonymous said...

I can relate. It's hard not to get too involved with others when you care about them. I get hurt when my friends are hurting and I rejoice when my friends rejoice. I think that's the way God made us to be. The world needs people to be empathatic, not just sympathatic. Friends need to know that others feel their suffering. It really helps when someone else shares the burdon. The hard part is when we take on their pain too much it can add to the other pain we may carry. This can be so very overwhelming! The best thing to do is to do what you've done. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! Additionally it helps to give it over to God, just like any of our troubles. God doesn't need help from us, (worry). He's pretty much got things covered.
One thing is for sure, you are a blessing to those who know you. And God made you this wonderfully empathetic person who people can trust. What a wonderful gift!

Rose

Kate McDonald said...

your kids are adorable...i hadn't stopped by in awhile and i enjoyed catching up...