Friday, June 29, 2012

in the quiet hour.



When I had only one baby, enjoying life was easy yet ...

When I had two babies, I was too busy fighting with my newlywed husband to enjoy anything because we were both so stubborn and set in our ways...

Now I am too busy planning, organizing and checking off the family 'to do' list so I forget to really listen to the sounds of life all around me, to close my eyes and really enjoy living.

Today, Parker and Ethan's friend came over. Check.
Sophia and Pearl made it to their recital dress rehearsal. Check.
Charlie put his eczema cream on. Check.
Lincoln, Ruby and Jasper took their naps. Check. Check. Check.
River just finished nursing. Check.

But as I sit here in my moonlit bedroom, rocking my little baby while he sleeps in my arms, I can hear the children outside my bedroom door rustling around getting ready for bedtime-- pajamas, teeth brushing, bobbies, ni-nights, and diapers.

Time to put today's adventures behind and prepare for the new ones tomorrow.

Before they slip off into their beds, they quietly file in to see mommy-- to ask those 'extremely important' questions and give me their goodnight hugs and kisses.

I close my eyes and listen.

Really listen.

To the night sounds outside my window.
To children content, a house-full settling in for the night.
I listened to life being lived.

I want to remember this happy place tonight where I discovered peace-- and now I want to enjoy every moment of it.

Not living life according to a self-imposed checklist hanging on as I move from one calendar event to another. So I will close my eyes, listen quietly and enjoy it all.

10 comments:

Heather said...

It's good to remember to be still and enjoy the moment.

Leanne said...

Peaceful.

I must try to remember to slow down and pay attention to Life around me.

Thank you for the reminder. Your posts always contain a pearl of wisdom and I really appreciate that.

May the sun shine on you today and may your heart be content and joyful as you delight in God's will for your life!

Alicia said...

Oh, YES, I want to listen to the melody of our crazy home with gratitude, too. Your family is BEAUTIFUL. And I can tell that your heart is, too. So funny- I wrote a post nearly just like this today- except I had to be "taught to listen" by my 11 year old. So glad God isn't done with me yet :) Blessings from a mama of five in Iowa!

Thoughts for the day said...

He is adorable, I love to watch a sleeping baby.

Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.com said...

What a beautiful blog, beautiful family, and lovely post this is. God bless you for your daily ministry to your family and for taking the time to let us take a peek at it. You are a gifted writer. Gail (BibleLoveNotes.com)

Allison said...

I've found myself feeling this way as well...and I only have my first baby! What a great example for your children to see in this busy world.
I'm your newest follower! Found you on We Encourage Tuesday.

No(dot dot)el said...

This is such a good reminder for any momma. Thank you for this. To stop and listen to the beautiful sounds of everyday life is so important.

grey rose (they/them) said...

oh, thank you!
loved this sweet reminder.
xo

Lauren @ mercy(INK) said...

it is so important to just stop and quiet our hearts and really listen!
beautiful family!
please consider linking up at All Things (Heart) & (Home) at mercyINKblog.com

blessings,
lauren

momstheword said...

What a joy it must be to have so much noise in your house. I imagine that it has its moments and you enjoy the quiet when you can, but I love the comment where you said "I listened to life being lived."

How much fun you must have and how exhausted you must be sometimes, lol! But a GOOD kind of exhaustion.

God only blessed us with two children here on earth (and one in Heaven). I always wanted a BIG family but God had other plans, but that's o.k. I love the two that I have and am content.

Thank you so much for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday. I didn't see a courtesy link back to the meme so if you could do that next time I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!