The other day I was cleaning our garage out when I noticed something, a unique object - it had wheels, a tall metal "stem", and a soft flat-like area maybe for putting something on it...AHA! It was our stroller! Yes, I realized that our stroller had been hanging on the garage wall for quite some time, in fact, I can't even remember the last time we used it.
Then it hit me, like a ton of bricks, and I was overwhelmed with emotion...when did we graduate from toddlerhood? Somehow we entered the school years (albeit that includes pre-school) and I've been riding along without a blink.
I turned to my husband, trying to hold back the tears, and shared my realization. "Our kids are growing up!" And he, being the wise man that he is, started to point out all of the wonders and joys of their current stage. He's right.
As a new mom I was constantly reminded by moms of older children who would say, "Enjoy them while they are young, they grow up too quickly". I think this subconsciously put a fear in my heart.
I must say, I have enjoyed the snuggles, the bundles that I can squeeze, and the cute stage of learning to talk. Really, I've enjoyed every bit of their first years in life. It truly is extraordinary. I'm amazed at the immense amount of love a mother can have for her children.
The kind of love that squeezes your heart, you love them so much that you can feel your heart hugging theirs.
I never experienced that kind of love before becoming a mother, I really think it is a kind of love that is only reflected from mothers to their children. But, wow!, it is incredible. And it can hit at the most ordinary times.
Yes, my kids may not be riding in a stroller anymore. But I'm okay with that. I will not look back at these first years with regret or sadness that they are gone. I look back on those years with joy, amazing memories, a smile on my heart, and thankfulness to God for blessing me with such amazing little hearts. He has trusted me with them? Wow! I am honored!
My kids are "school-aged". The joys of this stage? I can share conversations with them, share our humor with each other, help each other, lead my daughter to a relationship with God! (hopefully my son will follow in the coming years), and that is only what I've experienced so far. I've just begun! I am anxious to see what sweet experiences will come with this next stage of parenthood, and I will write the memories in my heart with joy.
To any new mother out there...Yes, enjoy these years because they do seem to fleet away. But don't fear your little darlings growing - there is so much joy in each stage of life. I say, savour each stage, for each stage is beautiful in its own right. Each stage brings its own heart hugs for your children. And I tell you, share those hugs generously!
14 Comments:
Thanks for the wonderful post. I, too, have sometimes bristled at being told to "enjoy these years" because they will soon be gone. It does kind of make me feel like somehow I'm supposed to be expecting things to go downhill once babyhood is over. I'm sure that is not necessarily what these well-wishers intend. (They're usually just extolling the greatness of the early years.) But by contrasting the two in that way, it makes it sound like the years that are "over so fast" are the ones that are really worth holding onto (and, by implication, that the others are somehow less precious.)
Anyway, your comments are beautiful and encouraging for a mom whose baby is rapidly growing up.
By
Sarah, at 9:23 AM
"The kind of love that squeezes your heart, you love them so much that you can feel your heart hugging theirs."
That is profound, my friend. I love that; it sums everything up perfectly for me.
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Chilihead2, at 9:30 PM
I came over from CWO. This was a great post. I have a daughter entering 3rd grade--how did that happen? But because we spaced our kids, I also have a toddler. He's growing quickly, too. I also try to enjoy each stage as it comes.
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Unknown, at 6:30 AM
What a beautiful post! I have a 7 year old... and an 8-week-old! Although "starting over" with a new baby has its challenges, I am thrilled to have one more chance to enjoy the snuggles, the first words, learning to walk, etc. At the same time, I love having my older son to chat with, play games with, joke around with. You're right - there's so much to enjoy at every stage!
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Katrina @ Callapidder Days, at 8:18 AM
Paula sent me over and I must say, this post is truly a blessing. You are so right. I waste so much energy mourning the loss of babyhood, but they are still my wonderful kids and we can enjoy every stage. :)
Thank you for this poignant reminder
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Unknown, at 11:07 AM
How wise you are, Rebekah, to cherish each stage. I'm one of those people who will tell you they grow up too fast. Wait until you see one of them walk down the aisle. A beautiful, beautiful post.
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Barb, at 11:22 AM
Bekah,
Lovely post. They DO grow up fast, don't they? Thanks for sharing!
Melissa @ Breath of Life
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Melissa, at 11:42 AM
Look at you being featured over at CWO! I'm just tickled pink!
Sweet post Bek, you're SO RIGHT!!!
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Addie, at 12:17 PM
Rebekah: I'm here from Paula's, too. My girls are 18 and 15, with the oldest going off to college in just 6 short weeks. I'm not even sure how we got to this point, but I can tell you, I enjoyed each and every "stage" for they bring their own challenges and their own joys. And yes, I have even enjoyed the teenage years, for the relationship that the girls and I have developed over the years has been strong and and loving, as I kept in mind that the seed which was sown today will grow and blossom over time.
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Valerie, at 6:46 PM
Paula,
I am so glad that I was able to send you a heart hug ;)
All you wonderful ladies coming from over from CWO - welcome! I hope you enjoyed your stay!!!
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Rebekah, at 12:29 AM
Well said, and SO true.
I felt the first four years interminable, but now each one goes faster than the next. My youngest turns 7 next month.
Yikes!
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Nancy Murphree Davis, at 3:56 PM
Beka,
These words ring too true, especially as my daughter turns 10 on Friday. I keep thinking, "I'm not ready!" and then tearing up, but it's only because I love them so much.
May the next stages be as much fun as the past ones have been.
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Shalee, at 9:56 AM
Great post. I have 3 little ones and the years with them have gone very fast. I know it will come quick when I realize we aren't using the stroller anymore.
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Wendy, at 6:47 PM
Oh, how wonderful and beautiful written. Yes, you can enjoy all the stages (hm - the teenage years are kind of rough - but we made it)...It is wonderful to know that God has instrusted us with those little ones and we are allow to raise them.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on raising children...
By
eph2810, at 1:41 AM
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