The other night I read a poem a friend had shared on face book. After reading the poem I became angry.
Angry with myself.
Convicted.
What poem is it?
I Was Dying.
First I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then I was dying to marry and have children.
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough
for school so I could return to work.
And then I was dying to retire.
And now, I am dying...and suddenly I realize I forget to live.
-Anonymous
First I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then I was dying to marry and have children.
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough
for school so I could return to work.
And then I was dying to retire.
And now, I am dying...and suddenly I realize I forget to live.
-Anonymous
Oh that sick, twisted feeling you get in your stomach. The one when you feel like all fingers are pointing at you. Even with no audience to judge you, you feel the heat rushing to your face as you try to fight back the tears. What have I been doing? How could I have let this happen?
My oldest child will be four years old next month. My middle just turned three almost a month ago, and my youngest will be 17 months soon.
Why does it seem like just yesterday, I was so excited, scared, and overwhelmed after just finding out about my first pregnancy? My husband could hardly talk to me that night...trying to take everything in. Why do I remember the horrible heart burn and PUPPS that came with my first pregnancy like it was yesterday?
My oldest child will be four years old next month. My middle just turned three almost a month ago, and my youngest will be 17 months soon.
Why does it seem like just yesterday, I was so excited, scared, and overwhelmed after just finding out about my first pregnancy? My husband could hardly talk to me that night...trying to take everything in. Why do I remember the horrible heart burn and PUPPS that came with my first pregnancy like it was yesterday?
Where have these past four years gone?
We now have three kids, and a dog.
As humans, whether students, employees, or parents, we tend to live each day with a 'I just need to get through this day' mentality. We just need to survive the next few hours or our class, or shift, or till nap time, or better yet, bed time. It is all about surviving. I am 100% guilty of this. There is no denying it. Even if I could lie, that one would read all over my face like a big fat L planted on my forehead.
As at stay at home mom to my three beautiful but crazy minions, my mantra has been, 'just make it till nap time, then you can breathe', followed by, 'just make it till bed time, then you can breathe'.
How foolish to think one can live a meaningful and fulfilling life by 'surviving' until your next break from that very same life. A life where each stage seems to have the tune..."just make it until..."
If you live life in this manner...your life will pass by without you.
As at stay at home mom to my three beautiful but crazy minions, my mantra has been, 'just make it till nap time, then you can breathe', followed by, 'just make it till bed time, then you can breathe'.
How foolish to think one can live a meaningful and fulfilling life by 'surviving' until your next break from that very same life. A life where each stage seems to have the tune..."just make it until..."
If you live life in this manner...your life will pass by without you.
Live in the moments God gives you. Because you never know when it will be your last.
A few years ago, at a dear couple's house for dinner, the husband was telling us how so many people say they "can't wait for this stage" or '"that stage" in their child's life. "I can't wait until they are crawling", " I can't wait until they are walking", " I can't wait until they are potty trained". Our friend stated, "I just want to enjoy where they are now". Is it easier in different stages? Sure. It is easier when children become more independent? Yes
But we will never be in these moments again. Like country artist Trace Adkin's song...You're gonna miss this.
Yes, I know life is exhausting. It's stressful. But if we don't take the time to truly cherish what God has given us, we might lose it. When we are the end of our lives...what will we have accomplished? What will our legacy be?
Stop living for your next break. Take a deep breath, and live in the now.
One thing is for sure...I don't want to feel like I'm missing any more of this...
But we will never be in these moments again. Like country artist Trace Adkin's song...You're gonna miss this.
Yes, I know life is exhausting. It's stressful. But if we don't take the time to truly cherish what God has given us, we might lose it. When we are the end of our lives...what will we have accomplished? What will our legacy be?
Stop living for your next break. Take a deep breath, and live in the now.
One thing is for sure...I don't want to feel like I'm missing any more of this...
I want to stop surviving, and start thriving.