When I was a kid, some of my fondest memories were the days my little sister and I jumped off our boat house into the lake, giggling as we ran toward the house eating peach ice cream, making our way to the trampoline, dodging the sprinkler system. We had so much fun, but I’m not sure when it stopped. If only I knew that was our last day hanging out like that. Perhaps our attention turned to other things, we grew up, we moved? I’m not sure. But if I had known it would be our last, surely I would have embraced it more, enjoyed it harder.
Do you have a memory that brings a smile to your face, a friend, a moment, a person or a song?
My oldest is 12 years old. When he was small, he loved for me to throw him in the air. I think that child lost weight, giggling! I look back on those fond memories with laughter and sadness, because I had no idea…
…throw #399 would be the last toss, the last giggle. A new phase came along, and that was it. Time doesn’t stop for reflection. Life doesn’t throw up a red flag to say: Warning, this child won’t think you’re fun or smart in 17 days. Warning: Your daughter won’t like those endless hugs that she loves to give – but annoys you, starting next week. So make all the hugs count!
Did you realize when you picked up your child when he was 7, that would be the last time? I know, I’m thinking, I had no idea. Now he’s in middle school and time is slipping away. No one told me it was the LAST TIME. (on the floor, kicking and screaming) I was robbed.
I guess I could go pick him up, now. Of course I might get a hernia, and he’ll think I’m crazy, but we’ll both remember when I picked him up, last!
Embrace all the moments. This could be family vacation #101 of #102 or the last good cry over life and boys as they leave for college. Life is short, now go hug someone. Go!
James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life, but a mist, that appears for a little while, then vanishes?
-Stephanie
About Stephanie: Living in Atlanta, GA with my husband and 4 kids, I know what it’s like to climb the “corporate ladder,” own my own business and work from home, all the while, raising kids. It’s not easy cooking dinner every night, juggling hectic schedules, helping kid’s with homework, soccer practice and ballet, all the while, developing happy, healthy children. Moms are often pressured to be perfect, to do it ALL and do it well, to choose sides “working mom vs. stay at home moms.” We’re not here to compete, we’re here to raise healthy, well adjusted children that will go into the world with confidence, knowledge, Godly character, a sense of sportsmanship and community, all the while, keeping our sanity and having fun along the way.
I needed this encouragement this morning. Thank you!