"We don't do very many grand and significant things in our life. Most of us will not be written up in history books. Most of us will only be remembered by family and perhaps a few friends. Most of us will be forgotten in two or three generations after our deaths. There simply are not many grand moments of life, and we surely don't live life in those moments. No, we live life in the utterly mundane. We exist in the bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways of life. This is where the character of our life is set. This is where we live the life of faith."
- Paul Tripp, Age of Opportunity
I had read that quote before, but it never really resonated with me until recently.
One of my summer goals is to slow life down. To start enjoying each and every day to the fullest instead of always looking at what lays before me; to embrace where I am at and who I am with.
I will work at resting.
Before you think that I am trying to justify day after day spent at the pool with a good book and iced coffee, hear me out.
In order to feel accomplished, I write out a to-do list and start crossing things off. A good day is often defined by the amount of projects I am able to scratch off the list. But having an active little child around causes even menial tasks to take longer.
In the middle of what was an extremely busy week for me, I heard myself saying "just wait, mommy has to finish this first..." for the umpteenth time, as Carson sat among scattered toys, crying, arms stretch, reaching for me.
I am making laundry and yard work and cleaning other peoples homes more important than my little boys needs. The thought hit me like a sack of bricks. I wasn't dealing with many deadlines or due dates, it was day to day tasks that could wait a few hours or even a few days.
When my children are grown, I want to be able to reflect on their lives and remember the little everyday moments like rocking them to sleep and reading Guess How Much I Love You to them so often that I could recite it word for word without the book. I want to take them on adventures that they'll reminisce as adults.
True accomplishment as a mom isn't keeping an immaculate home, never allowing the laundry to pile up, or having a weedless garden, but rather it is to love well; to be present; to instruct hearts; to give them Jesus.
So to myself I propose this idea:
The lists of projects can wait; there are making-memories lists to be checked off.
Oh, do I hear you..loud and clear! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great perspective... You are too cool. :)
ReplyDeleteYou put it just right Sarah! I have caught myself saying the same thing "just wait..." and hate it every time.
ReplyDeleteI feel super inspired from this post, and I'm not even a mommy! :)
ReplyDeleteBless your heart...this is so good. I agree with Alicia-I think all of us (even non-mommy's) can identify with this-we all need to take time to slow down and enjoy the people God has placed in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing this!
Love this! Trying to spend more time with D this summer before school starts but it's coming to an end too quickly!
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of you & Carson in the kayak!