someone asked me the other day: "so, what did you do all day?" their question was posed with a sort of confused yet curious look in the eyes...i thought for a minute, really hoping that i could come up with something that could prove that i had, really in fact, been quite busy. after all, it was 6:45pm, dinner wasn't ready...the house was mostly straightened (but not at all "clean"), i hadn't showered and we hadn't gone anywhere (this was obvious since beckett wasn't wearing pants). "uh, well, we read some, really just mostly hung out i guess." that is what i came up with- that is all i came up with. the confusion left their face...but the curiosity remained- it was though i could hear their thoughts: "what are you doing all day in that house with those children by yourself?" as life is, as soon as they walked away, i thought of how i wish i had answered differently- not so much for my own esteem (although, that would have felt good), but i wondered why i felt insecure admitting that really i hadn't done anything all that important- but everything i did do had felt quite significant...changing diapers (and taking a few extra minutes to study avalon's growing toes), games of uno (and realizing that atlee is quite competitive), reading "just one more" book (and then asking beckett to explain the story back to me), jumping on the trampoline (and thanking the Father for the beautiful sky), a cat nap (so i'd have a little extra boost of energy for jeff). now, not everyday around here is this way...many days i need to accomplish a list of things in order to help our home run smoothly...and then, i hate to admit it, but there are days when i struggle to really "play" not because i have "necessary things"- but because, i simply don't feel like it.
today in the "home training lesson" that i picked up at BSF , i read this:
"These unique years are to be cherished, for
there will be no other time like this.
Later your child will be influenced by a myriad of others outside your home,
but for now his parents are his principal teachers and his family is his world.
You will never again have such unchallenged credibility or
control over what your child learns
You may never again have the
You may never again have the
concentrated time with this little person that you do now."
so, next time i get that question, on one of "those kinds of days"...i know exactly what i am going to say:
"oh, today i just cherished and nurtured"
8 comments:
this is so true & beautiful nikki. it made me cry! i'll explain it this way from now on too!
i think duplicating BSF notes is illegal, i think i will have to tattle on you. what was tammy's number again?
thank you for reminding me that one day everyone will be potty trained, buy their own groceries, and wash their own clothes, my daughter that is. we will see how many bags of laundry the boys bring home to me. that these are the seasons in life that we are planting in and one day is will be a season to grow and another season to replant them in bigger pots!! well said sweet friend. love your pictures too, your girls all 3 of them are just adorable! :)
Love those thoughts! Thanks for sharing, it was inspirational.
Yes! What precious days - this post extends freedom. grazi
Nik - love your blog. Thanks for your beautiful words. You put to words a lesson God has been teaching me deeply over the last few weeks - I highlighted the same thing in the BSF home training notes. I miss you friend and love reading your thoughts. The Lord knits our hearts and minds though distance separates. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Love you girl! Kel
Nik - Here's a quote from BSF I can't get out of my mind
"Are you willing to do your work today, realizing that just as Jesus showed all carpenters how the Son of God pleased God as a carpenter, so you as homemaker live today to show the people around you how the Son of God within you lives the homemakers life to the glory of God?" WOW - what a thought. Do I see my "job" as one that I can reveal & glorify God in all that I do. I WANT TO LORD - with your help! K
Love this, Nik, and I learn much from you about nurturing and cherishing my children. keep sharing your thoughts...
Ditto to TJ-- I learn from you every time I am around you! This is my favorite entry so far. It was a VERY valuable day!!!
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