Today while I was running around doing my morning chores as quickly as I could, I stopped for a second and enjoyed that bright sun shining in one of the favorite rooms of my home (well I have many favorites for all different reasons). But the BOYS room-the room where my boys have always shared, the “musical bed” room where boys have come and gone and come back and the room my little Janey, with a nice new pink room, insists on sleeping in so she is not alone. It is decorated almost exactly like it was when we moved in 13 years ago and I want to leave it like this always.
I was filled with this overwhelming sense of gratitude-gratitude for what IS right now. I know almost every mom with little ones, or who is pregnant, and feels overwhelmed, and “not enough” and is waiting for the next stage to come so life gets easier, needs to hear this message because I did too.
Love with all your heart what your life looks like right now. Yes maybe it could get easier, but there will probably always be something that makes life a little more complicated than what we want it to be. When you feel that baby kicking inside of you and can’t sleep, just sit and love the feeling of it and be so appreciative that you get to experience that miracle.
When you trip over toys and step on Legos and the beds are unmade and the sink is crusted with toothpaste, just take a breath and think of the days when your house will look like no one lives there and you’ll want it filled with children playing and the comfort of knowing all your children are in their beds safe. Do you really want to put away those toys forever? I bet not.
When you haul in those groceries and plan those meals, sit back at that table and look around and be so so grateful to share a meal with all these people who love you, and that you have the money to fill your children’s tummies with food, even if it is loud and fast and a lot of work.
Who cares if you don’t have time to do all that you are supposed to be doing. Cancel the plans and stay home and cuddle or eat popcorn and watch Rudolph for the 100th time. Do what you want to do with your children and love every minute of it, even if it never turns out the way it is planned. Or badly. Live and learn and laugh about it and try again, but love the process of learning how to be a present, content parent. Life will teach you if you stop long enough to let it.
Try not to care about the mess, and the discomfort and noise and the demands-yes a day, or a week or maybe even a month you think would be nice.
But life changes, and kids grow up and they grow up FAST. Yes, I know you’ve heard it in the grocery store from an old lady so many times. Because IT’S TRUE. Put down your list and listen to those old ladies! Babies are sweet and warm and cuddly and toddlers are hilarious and so fun to watch, and kids just love us, and teenagers test our love so we love them harder, and then they LEAVE. And it’s all over.
So treasure it all – the kicked ribs and sore back, the messy room, the quick meals, the tripped over shoes, the sweet little squeaky voices even if they are whiny, the work that seems endless.
It’s not endless, that’s the thing. Pay attention, be filled with gratitude for it all, and simplify your life enough so that you can take the time to deeply love it all.
Thank you. What a timely reminder .You are a blessing to so many young mothers.
Thank you, Sarah! Beautiful! I, like you, have already had two leave the nest. I still have one teen left and I'm definitely enjoying him more than I did his brothers at this same age because…..PERSPECTIVE! 🙂 It's such a great teacher, right? Unfortunately we don't generally learn enough from others' perspective, though! Blessings to you and your family!
This is so true. It is not endless. We have 4 sons and they are all moved out, we have our 17 year old baby left. I miss them all so much and would not change being a stay at home mommy for all the money in the world. Our 3rd son lives far away in Japan serving in the Marines. I am reminded as he told us about the incident at his base where they are still searching for 5 missing Marines, that life is fleeting.
Sarah, I've been a long time reader… like since the beginning…and I've never commented even when I've really thought about it. But this. THIS. This is the post I'm printing. It's the one that will go on my bedside table next to pictures of my precious family and favorite scriptures. This is the one I want to remember. You are a blessing to so many <3
Long-time reader & first comment as well. I needed this today. Thank you, Sarah!
Thank you, Sarah! ♥ I was just thinking of one year ago, so grateful for your life and perspective.
Thanks Sarah. Perspective is everything, isn't it. And yes, they do grow up so fast. Thanks for reminding me to enjoy my sweet toddler girl. All the best to you and your family this Christmas.
I hate telling my friends….it sounds so trite, but it all went so fast. And I'd trade these days for those baby days. They were tiring, sure, but don't carry the same worries… I love the bedroom. It seems the youngest children in a big family are more comfortable with their siblings. Our bedrooms are so small, my husband built a crib-sized trundle for our 3rd child to go under the bunk beds when #4 came along. And those young ones always preferred to share rooms! My mom doesn't like me to tell anyone that I shared a room with two of my brothers until my oldest sister got married and I could move in with my other sister. Somehow we managed. I had a little baby bureau in the hallway. I would go there, grab my clothes, and then change in the bathroom. How we shared that bathroom with 8 of is is beyond me! I don't think we bathed very often, except when we swam in the lake! Ha!
Beautiful perspective, Sarah! Thank you for sharing! I too love to linger in the rooms of my home, sinking in the beauty of the lives we lead.
This is so good. It applies to parenting and almost every other situation in life! I'm so thankful that you're back to blogging and I hope back to good health.
"It's not endless, that's the thing. Pay attention, be filled with gratitude for it all, and simplify your life enough so that you can take the time to deeply love it all."
Thank you so much for your writing. I've followed your blog for years, too, and have learned so much from reading your precious words. This brought me to tears today because I am going through a tough season right now with my youngest. Trying my hardest to love what my life is right now and be grateful for it, even the tough parts.
I loved these lines especially: "Love with all your heart what your life looks like right now. Yes maybe it could get easier, but there will probably always be something that makes life a little more complicated than what we want it to be. "
This is so beautiful Sarah. I had to show my husband too! I know I am a better mother because of your writing and encouragement. Hope you are feeling well:)
This beautiful, soulful perspective is exactly what I needed in (literally!) the exact moment I needed it. I have 3 sons, and yes, life is crazy and loud and things never turn out exactly the way I "think" they should. In fact, 2 minutes before I opened your blog, my youngest son (6) came to me asking for something. His foot got caught in my computer cord, causing both my computer to crash to the ground, AND spilling my hot oatmeal all over the computer, floor, and me. While I was cleaning up the mess, I will admit to feeling immensely frustrated. Then I sat down, re-opened my nearly broken laptop and read this post, and it couldn't have been more perfect for my heart. It brought me to tears, and I thought about how wise and true those words are. Thank you for always speaking truth, your children are blessed to have you as their mom.
Thank you for the wonderful reminder. You are such an encouragement. Please don't stop posting!
Love this,thank you! "Gratitude for what IS right now"
Love this! I'm learning this as my oldest enters into the preteen stage. 🙁
Yes. Just yes.
Fighting back the tears while reading your post. My only one left at home is now 14 and I hear the clock ticking loudly. Savor every second.
This is beautiful Sarah! I am a better mother because of your writing – thank you!
A great reminder for this season of life I'm in. Thank you!
Wow. Yes. LOVE this.
You are so spot on. I wish you would write a book filled with insights like this, and about other things in life that you've learned. Younger mammas like me could really get a lot out of it. My kiddos are 11, 9, and 3. Weve been trying for another for some time, only to miscarry recently after trying to 2 years. They're growing fast, and I fear my time with little ones at home will end before I wanted them to.
I'm sorry Laura-I had so many miscarriages but I wouldn't have Andrew, Patrick or Janey if I hadn't kept trying-hold on to hope.
As usual, this remembering post will be shared with all of my daughters who are now mamas:) you state so eloquently what is true.
I needed this so very much today. Thank you!
And "I was filled with this overwhelming sense of gratitude-gratitude for" YOU, dear Sarah! you have influenced my life more than most of the people around me!!
great post! thank you! (I will print it and frame it.)
Love this and it is SO TRUE. The years at home go sooo fast, and I find myself yearning for those times when crafts and
pictures filled our fridge, and books were everywhere, and the shoes…oh my goodness the shoes!! Now my baby is 14 and the other two have grown up and one is gone. I will cherish these last days. thanks you so much for sharing.
I love your blog for posts like these!!! I wish I knew you in real life so I can pick your brain. lol. You are full of so much wisdom and I truly appreciate when you share your knowledge on here. Thank you from this mom of three boys. 🙂
I have been reading your posts for years and am so grateful for you and your words. I've been more aware of the way I parent my 3 young boys because of you. I hold them tighter and try to slow down more with our crazy schedule. Your life lessons on parenting (and everything) are just so important. Thank you!
So very true! Love this :o)