Looking Back

I saw a commercial the other day. I don’t even remember what it was advertising, but I was hit with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. A young mother was sitting in the kitchen with her young child by her side in a high chair. The little one’s toes were bare and mommy was tickling and blowing on the child’s feet. They were both giggling and happy and enjoying one another immensely.

I’ve always been a sentimental soul and have cried during my share of commercials, but this one hit me with such intensity that even now as I think about it I’m overwhelmed with feelings. Much of this has to do with the fact that my firstborn “baby boy” is eighteen years old and only months away from graduating.

The amazing thing is that even though I’m a little sad in remembering those toe-tickling times, I’m full to the brim with a feeling of thankfulness, wholeness and intense joy in having those tender memories to look back on. I’ve been blessed to be able to be home with my children their entire lives. I worked outside the home part-time for a couple of years, I’ve also worked from home, and been extremely busy with the ministry of the church, but through it all I’ve been blessed with great quantities of quality time with my kids. I thank and praise God for it. I’m thankful that I can look back and be happy about my choices to make my kids a high priority even though I had times of feeling inferior to those who were working in a career. Yes, I even wished for more adult interaction on occasion, but I’m so very thankful that I don’t have to look back and say that I regret not spending more time at home. I’m thankful I had time to really know my kids and enjoy them.

Even though I’ve been able to be home with my kids over the years, our busy ministry schedule has presented challenges to family time. I can remember Zach falling asleep under the piano during a “loud” band practice on more than one occasion. I remember my mother being concerned that we weren’t keeping a good routine for our little one. Zach was a pretty portable kid – he could sleep anywhere, so he was pretty adaptable. Some don’t have that luxury. There are times that ministry kids can roll with the punches, and other times that Mom may have to adjust her schedule so that she can take the little ones home, or find a sitter while she and Daddy are with the youth group.

Whatever the case, and whether or not Mom works outside the home, the little ones grow up oh-so-quickly. I encourage any of you who may be young moms with a morsel of wisdom I was given by someone early on in my marriage. It comes back to my mind time and time again, especially when I’m facing a struggle of some sort with my children. And I suppose on this side of my life, with my baby almost ready to leave the nest I’m even more thankful for it. Here it is:

“Each moment of your life goes by quickly and is never to return. Enjoy each and ever minute. Don’t wish it away—experience it to the full.”

Believe me, it happens sooner than you think! (Ecc. 3:11-13)