Friday, December 12, 2008

Different seasons of life

I checked Stephanie's blog this morning even though a new post was not shown on Bloglines. I was rewarded with the words I knew she had been pondering recently. She called last night as she drove to her birthday celebration, in the rain turning to ice, in the dark... not the best of conditions but this was one determined woman.

Few things can get in the way of a mother of young children when she finally gets a chance to meet with friends at the Olive Garden (although ice did keep one of her friends at home, one who lived where the ice formed earlier).

How different her Christmas season is from mine. This year I am spending a great deal of time at home, enjoying peace and quiet. At least when the guys let me have that peace... and quiet. But even then, I know there are going to be long stretches of time for reading and pondering with my only interruption coming from a plump, furry, elderly cat who loves constant attention.

I opened Christmas boxes and brought out most of my indoor decorations this year, knowing I'd be home to enjoy them. The only box which remains full is that which contains outside decorations. The porch this year received minimal attention but that is fine... it looks very simple and as one would expect in the country.

I have never known what it was like having many small children around at the same time. In His Infinite Wisdom, God gave me my two living children twelve years apart. I didn't understand it at the time, why there were not many more little feet running around, but at this stage of life I can look back and know He gave me that for which I was best suited. Great kids... twelve years apart.

So... my heart goes out to young families with little children. I remember the Christmas seasons balancing church, school (both public schools and then homeschooling), friends, family get-togethers, hubby's work responsibilities, my own work requirements when I worked outside the home, and... the desire to decorate my home and continue important Traditions within my immediate family. Yes, those were years when I had a love/hate relationship with that time from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.

I know you've heard this from others and it is quite true... trust me... as crazy as these years are, you will find yourself in seasons ahead... when the tree is lit, tea or hot chocolate is made, the music is in the background... and all is at Peace.

You will sigh for awhile and enjoy the quiet but then the memories return and just for a little while... perhaps for one day... how wonderful it would be to enter into that chaos one more time. Just to see each child again when they were small and warm and needing to be cuddled. To hear the laughter and the fun once again... within the confines of chaos.

As Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Past reminded Scrooge of the joy he once experienced as he watched scenes long gone, we look at pictures and remember the fun... long forgetting the exhaustion... memories filtered through the experiences of life and embraced for what they were... moments of life which seemed so long as we went through them but in reality were but wisps of air flying by at great speed.

Enjoy the moment.

Picture: Merry Christmas Snowball Fight; allposters.com

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Brenda:

I just wanted to tell you how much your blog has ministered to me. I discovered it about a week ago and since then have read your posts and some of your archives. The Lord has really spoken sweetly to me through some of the things you've shared.

Your honesty about the journey toward contentment in all circumstances, your love of reading, writing, baking, and beautiful things have all been encouraging. We are kindred spirits in many of our interests.

Today's post about being happy in your present circumstances as you have time to pursue interests but at the same time having a little wistfulness for past years spoke to me as well. We just found out our one year old grandson and his mom will be moving out of our home in a month or two. They have lived with us all his life and once again at 54 I will have to learn to let go. It feels like I have a friend who understands when I read your blog.

I wish you lived close enough to come by for a cup of coffee, but I just wanted to let you know how much you've encouraged me.

God bless you in your writing and in everything you do in Him.

Linda Nichols

Vee said...

I much enjoyed your gentle words of encouragement to the younger generation. Your home sounds so cozy just now... What a good season to have time to reflect.

Susan P. said...

Excellent post, Brenda. I could identify with everything you said:)

Betty said...

I am so tired today and I know it is from all the holiday shopping and planning. I have enjoyed browsing through your posts of the last few days. This is my time to sit and relax. It is always so soothing to come here and read your words.

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

Thanks for reminding us of these different seasons. Many never get the chance to see the different seasons. We are blessed. Looking back our mind does filter some things, but the Lord has a way of bringing us so many new blessings for now. I loved this post.

Anonymous said...

Brenda,

The passage of time, especially as relates to the growing up of my children, is something that I have often struggled with, even though they are still young (11 & 13). One of life's greatest joys has been raising my children and I can really get down thinking how quickly they are growing and changing and will all too soon be moving away from home. By God's grace, I'll be fine when that time comes and trust that He'll have something else for me to do. Lately, I've been trying to focus on living today to its fullest, being grateful for the past and enjoying its memories while trusting Him for tomorrow.
Thank you for your wise words of encouragement. God Bless you!
~Silvana

Abounding Treasures said...

Wonderful words of wisdom to encourage those with young children at any time of the year!

Your 2nd to last paragraph brought tears to my eyes as I realized that I would like to do just that ... for a very little while :o)

Blessings to you ...

Anonymous said...

Hello, Dearest Jewels from Eyes of Wonder led me to your lovely blog. I agree we need to enjoy the moment. I forget that when I am in the hustle bustle of life. Thank you for your kind words. God Bless, Cynthia

Anonymous said...

I think back to the dialog in Our Town where the young girl now dead returns to view like a ghost how her ordinary life used to be...so full of the usual things but so very full of the love of people and the sweetness of life itself. I cannot put the words together to discribe it but it is a cherished play to me. I understand Paul Newman also did the narative of it and I would have liked to have seen that version too. Yes when you tell young parents to cherish each sweet moment, the good with the bad, cause it will go by oh so Very swiftly they cannot fathom it. But oh does it. Like in the song..turn around turn around and their a young man with babes of their own... To relive a few of those moments or days again would though be so sweet. Yes life certainly has its stages and whether we like it or not we go through each of them. Each stage though has its own sweetness and should be cherished and I too am at the same stage as you and enjoying this season again but this time again with new insight and eyes. Brenda you are sooo very insightful! Jody

Wanita said...

What a wonderful post, Brenda. I certainly identified with all you shared.

Blessings,
Wanita

Musings of A Minister said...

What wisdom in the simple words, "Enjoy the moment." Loved your post.

Beth said...

Isn't it wonderful how our Heavenly Father gives us just exactly the family best for us?

We wanted a large family, but I also have just two living children and they are also 12 years apart. I have some health issues that we realize now probably had something to do with us not being able to have more children.

But His plan is perfect, and now as I'm homeschooling my rambunctious little boy I also have his big sister to help me. An adult daughter is a wonderful blessing, as I'm sure you would agree!

Jessica said...

What is the name of this piece of art?

And the post titled "Christmas ponderings"?

Thanks.
Jessica