And though I wouldn't trade the blessings of my husband or children for an-y-thing, there are days when being a stay-at-home mom to two HIGHLY ACTIVE toddlers is just plain exhausting.
There are days when getting through the next two hours feels like my Everest. Days when fifteen-month-old Elias is climbing in the oven drawer while almost-three-year-old Noah is coloring on the table shouting "Uh-oh, Noah use crayons! Look, fishy!" Days when Eli learns to scale a new piece of furniture while Noah learns to use the kitchen counter as a jungle gym. Yes, some days the two hours till nap time can feel like a lifetime.
Yet, I have friends more seasoned in life who tell me that the two decades they spent raising children came and went faster than a summer breeze. The days are long but the years are short, they say.
In this stage of life it's hard for me to imagine that. But tonight, as I was rocking my sweet little boys before bed, I tried to imagine...tried to think about how I might feel two decades from now when my boys are grown. I tried to imagine what 49-year-old Becky might say to 29-year-old Becky to encourage her when she's struggling to climb the next two-hour mountain. I imagine she might say something like this...
Dear Me,
You're doing fine. Actually, you're doing more than fine. You're doing great. Stop being so hard on yourself, and just remember a few simple things...
Stop worrying so much about what other people think. God has gifted you and Chris uniquely to love and raise and train these children. Use wisdom and follow your heart.
Care less about Eli's constant trail of cracker crumbs...one day you'll have time for clean and shiny floors.
Don't rush rocking Noah each night. Savor each time he asks for one more song. The dishes can wait 15 more minutes, and the day will come when you'll long to sing another verse of Gentle Shepherd and feel his even breathing.
Rejoice each time Elias reaches his arms up to be held or crawls into your lap. The task he's interrupting can wait, but the days he'll want you so near are numbered.
Pause before you scold Noah when he won't stop running in the house or jumping on the bed, and thank the Lord for his strong legs and adventurous spirit. How you delight in who he is is just as important as how you discipline his behavior.
Take time each day to soak up their sweet smiles and silly sayings. Memorize the curves of their cheeks and the light in their eyes. One day these precious little boys will grow into strong and independent men. They will still love you. But their hugs and cuddles and kisses will never be the same.
And above all else, dear Becky, remember that your loving God is with you every step of the way. Trust him for this blessed journey he's set you on. Look to him always. He will give you the strength and patience and grace you need every hour, every day.
You can do it! You ARE doing it.
All my love,
YOU
