I had to drive 2 hours one way to pick up my parents at the airport in Chicago. I really don’t mind driving, except when I’m sleepy, which was the case on the way. So I was working hard to find ways to keep myself awake. Some worked better than others of course, but as I was searching for the best way to keep my eyelids from drifting downwards I noticed this:
(Yes, I took this while I was driving!)
Now, I know it has always been there, but this time it got me to thinking. Thinking about time. Thinking about my kids. As I looked back over the Christmases we’ve had together as a family, I realized that we have had more of them with the girls as children living in our home than we probably have left. Sorry, that may have been a tad confusing.
My oldest, who is nearing 13, is growing up so fast and I know the time for her to be all grown up is “closer than it appears.” It makes me more conscious of the importance of using the time that we have wisely. Also makes me think of the verse in Psalms that says, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (90:12) I need that for myself, but I also need it so that I will be able to pass on what wisdom I can while my children are still at home. I know that imparting wisdom to one’s children doesn’t end when they leave the nest, but I still am feeling a sense of the importance of the time I have with them while they’re younger.
(The game of Life–if only it was this easy)
In other news, I’m so excited that my parents are here for Christmas! We have lots of fun things we want to do while they’re here. I love cooking with my mom, so we’ll be in the kitchen together! One of the traditions we have when my mom has been able to be with us for Christmas is that she makes cinnamon rolls with the girls for our Christmas morning breakfast. The one thing that will be different this year is that we don’t have a church that we call home. I’m not sure what we’ll do about going to a Christmas Eve service, and that’s always been a favorite thing for us. Just another reminder of how strange life is for us at the moment. Ok, enough whining.
Anybody going to get up at 3am to watch the eclipse? One last picture: (also taken while I was driving, just for fun. It was really murky today, but I still enjoy the Chicago skyline!)
Vee says
December 21, 2010 at 3:06 pmLisa, thank you so much for blessing me with a comment. It is always a thrill to find a brand new blogger! Hope that you'll find your way back to my place again. (Blogdom being so very big and all.) I'm intrigued by your being a doula because my sister, a maternity nurse, always has such praise for doulas. Have the merriest of Christmases with your parents being there and may you find a cozy church with a wonderful Christmas eve service.
Spanish Princess says
December 22, 2010 at 1:45 pmHi! Glad you found me. While are are an active duty Army family we are currently assigned to an Air Reserve Base (still trying to figure that one out!) and life in the community as well since there is no "on-base" housing. One of my closest friends here is a Reserve Chap's wife! So nice to find your blog. Its on my list to explore more when my little explorer goes down for a nap!
Kendra says
December 23, 2010 at 2:42 amOh, this made me tear up a little. My oldest is only 9, but that means we're half-way to him being old enough to not spend Christmas at home. It's always good to have a reminder that we need to cherish each moment God gives us with them!