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Women Living Well Blog: Embrace This Season of Life

Women Living Well Blog

Friday, October 29, 2010

Embrace This Season of Life

Yesterday, tears welled up in my eyes as my little boy grew up unexpectedly. Daddy said - "Go buy the boy some work boots, I'm taking him to work with me." So one day later my son was lacing up his brand new work boots and heading off in a semi-truck to help Daddy haul a crane 100's of miles.


I was so excited for my little boy to experience the road with Daddy! They slept in the semi bed last night just for kicks. I sent along some homeschool books, a journal, a Leapster and his stuffed doggy that he has slept with since the day he was born.


As he headed out the door, I grabbed my camera to capture the moment...and suddenly the flood gates opened and I was in tears.


Ready or not this little guy is growing up!



And as he pulled out of the driveway grinning ear to ear, I forced a smile to hide the tears.


How bitter sweet it is to see our little ones growing up right before our eyes.


Sometimes we can grow weary as moms. The noise and chaos that children can bring can make us frazzled. The toys spread through out the house and the dirty clothes pile seems unending BUT there is an end. One day the children will grow up and they will leave. This season of life does not last forever.


If you are a weary mom, add 10 years to your life. Then how old are your children? My son will be 17 1/2! In a flash our children will be grown. Will we have given our children the best of us or the leftovers?


The Relevant Conference reminded me to give my children the best of me. And so I have a renewed commitment to slowing down, enjoying the cuddles, shutting out the noise of this world and enjoying what God created in Genesis 1 - family!


Genesis 1:27,28 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it."


The framework of family is God's idea. It's not old fashioned to embrace God's design for families - it's fabulous! But it's also hard work.




Elizabeth Elliot says "There are days when it's hard to see where the giving of ourselves ends and the receiving starts" but this season will pass. Embrace this season. Embrace your husband and children with tender hugs over and over and over. As Monday's challenge said, "be intentional about physically reaching out and touching your family this week."



I've had precious alone time with my daughter but I must say, the girls are really missing the boys. We can't wait to throw our arms around their necks and smother them with kisses!


Walk with the King!

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39 Comments:

Blogger Joyful Mother said...

Thank you for this post.

October 29, 2010 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger Missy said...

I try to tell myself this everyday Courtney! This season shall pass... and I will miss the toys, the noise the chaos! I almost cried with you when I read this because my son is the same age and I often look at him and cannot believe he is almost 8 years old! When I look in his eyes... I still remember holding him for the first time in the hospital and his eyes look exactly the same to me!
Blessings to you!
Missy

October 29, 2010 at 7:59 AM  
Blogger Jennwith4 said...

I am in this chaotic time of life and need to remember this when I get weary. Thx.

October 29, 2010 at 8:03 AM  
Blogger Dee said...

Thank you for this post. I struggle with this daily raising a 5 yr, 3 yr and 6 month old is tiring and I find myself giving them my "leftovers" way too often.

October 29, 2010 at 8:11 AM  
Anonymous Joe Thorn said...

Courtney, I'm no wife or mother - but I still read and enjoy your blog. Great post and photos! Tell Keith we said hello.

October 29, 2010 at 8:20 AM  
Blogger . said...

What a sweet pic to treasure. My oldest son won't be trick or treating for the first year, this is a big milestone for our children. He still would like to, just to darn tall and older:) His little brother will share his goodies!

October 29, 2010 at 8:37 AM  
Anonymous Amy @ Finer Things said...

"The days are long, but the years are short." I remind myself of that during the rough patches. My babies are growing so fast!

October 29, 2010 at 8:59 AM  
Blogger Kristi said...

I had the same thing happen with my 7 year old yesterday. I just bawled. My 10 year old is still very close to me, and probably always will be. But my second son...he is very much an independant Daddy's boy and is pulling away from his mother. I know it's healthy for him, I know it must come. Doesn't make it any easier though. I think it will help me to cherish my moments with my daughters even when I want to scream at the mess my toddler makes! I want to relish every second I have with all 4 of my children, and make sure I'm using my time wisely. I don't want to have regrets about what I did or didn't teach them about God's Kingdom!

October 29, 2010 at 9:00 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

Courtney, your words are touching. I've bought work boots, swallowed real hard to fight the tears, and yes they do head out the door, too quickly. I have enjoyed reading what "you girls" have learned from the Relevant Conference. It must have been a life-changing one! P.S. I loved the stuffed doggie hanging out of the backpack! Keep him little as long as you can. :)

October 29, 2010 at 9:11 AM  
Blogger Mrs. Stam said...

Oh my, this post got me crying this morning, partly because it's a touching story partly cause I'm overemotional these days!

it's so true they grow so fast!!!

October 29, 2010 at 9:18 AM  
Anonymous Sara Schott said...

What a great post! I look forward to reading your blog so much; thank you for the work you put into it. My boy is 7 1/2 too, and your blog has helped me rethink how I do some things around here. You have been a definite blessing to me and my family!

October 29, 2010 at 9:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great post!
My children are grown with children of their own but still 'my children'. The years go by swiftly now...soon my 'little boy' will be in a foreign country again carrying his rifle...I agree so much with you about taking the time for family...I'm afraid I am against too many outside activities for children such as dance, ballgames, etc. A little of this is fine but it seems some are so involved with it that the family never has any time together to just be a family...childhood is over way too soon.
Mama Bear

October 29, 2010 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love that reminder that God created family first! Thank you!

October 29, 2010 at 9:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Last night was trick or treat I had all 5 of my babies 15 thru 2 piled in the van decked out in costumes and I bawled my head off.Grateful my oldest still found delight in this simple pleasure and grieving the idea that this is most likly the last time my oldest boy will ever do trick or treat.He will start driving next month in order to get his licsens and I can tell you there is so much I wish to have done and still hope to do before my first baby leaves tghe nest.LucyT

October 29, 2010 at 10:08 AM  
Blogger {darlene} said...

"slowing down, enjoying the cuddles, shutting out the noise of this world and enjoying what God created in Genesis 1 - family!"

It seems that I never tire of needing the reminder. It has barely been a week since Relevant, and in tiny ways I have slipped back into NOT slowing down and enjoying the cuddles. The noise of the world surely is loud.

I thank the Lord today that he uses friends to remind us of his calling. I need His daily bread... well.... Daily!

October 29, 2010 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Kris said...

I am one of your newest followers, and I have to say (what a wonderful post:) I am a mother of two little guys 7 and 4, and pregnant with a little bundle of joy (girl) on the way next month. You really touched home for me (no more leftovers:). Thanks for the post. What a great post to read first thing this morning.

Blessing to you!
Stina

October 29, 2010 at 10:43 AM  
Blogger Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

You've truly spoken heartfelt, true words. Time does travel so very fast and it's so important to take it all in...and enjoy EVERY moment with our children.

I'm in a new season...called empty nest. Our daughter almost 22 is moving closer to marriage, and our youngest, moved away to college this fall. As I've reflected on our children as they've grown, I'm so thankful..that a strong relational foundation was formed at an early age and it's easily seen in how we relate today.

Enjoy this season...regardless of how hectic at times it may seem. For all to quickly...it will fade and become a memory!

October 29, 2010 at 10:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is beautiful. And this time with his dad will mean more and more as time progresses. Our eldest works for my husband disassembling aviation carburetors once a week. The work ethic begins at a young age. Yay for y'all!

October 29, 2010 at 10:52 AM  
Blogger Nicole @Team Pipkin said...

this past june i realized just how fast the season passes. my oldest son graduated high school at the age of 17. as i looked at him walking in the procession line to his seat, i recalled when he was in kindergarten. and how high school seemed so far away then but here we were...at his high school graduation. it still brings tears to my eyes. in the fall he started at our local college. i still have at home a 15yo son and a 5yo daughter. she started kindergarten this year. so now i'm back at step one again. she is our last and i'm gonna enjoy every moment of her school years with her.

October 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM  
Blogger Toni said...

Aw, great post. I'm a VERY nostalgic person, so I'm always keenly aware of the passage of time. My oldest is 11 already. :(
Much of what you shared was shared by my mom with me (some of the wisest insight she ever passed on). She encouraged me, when I was a first time mom, to drink in my days, whether bitter or sweet, "because it is so very bittersweet to watch your children grow, knowing every day past is a day that cannot be relived, and a day closer to when this season will end." Oh my, pass the Kleenex. I totally get your tears, Courtney.
Yesterday, my dd had dance class. Normally, dh takes our two to swim practice and I take her to dance. But they didn't have swimming last night so we ALL went to dance. We really treasure being together as a family, just as you girls missed the boys while they were gone.
Blessings,
Toni

October 29, 2010 at 11:57 AM  
Blogger carol said...

Your picture of your boy reminded me of my son ... he's 20 now and away at college. (sigh) It really does happen so fast!

October 29, 2010 at 12:17 PM  
Blogger Lisa Grace said...

I got teary, and he's not mine!

It made me realize even more how fleeting these days are. I'm about to get out of the blog world and into the world of playing with my kiddos :)

October 29, 2010 at 12:38 PM  
Blogger ~JoAnn~ said...

Courtney strange how the time just goes by so quickly. Seems like just yesterday my son was just a little boy but he is a PFC in the Army currently in Iraq, talk about growing up!!We need to stop and spend time with our children before they are too old for hanging out with mom :)

October 29, 2010 at 12:40 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I just read in a Janette Oke book last night "Treasure the moments, so that later you can treasure the memories."

October 29, 2010 at 1:08 PM  
Blogger Janelle Nehrenz said...

Courtney, I have tears welling in my eyes...I am going through this bitter sweet time in my life as well with Grant. What a blessing it is to have Dad's that are willing to spend time with them the way they know how :) I love it..so sweet.

October 29, 2010 at 1:16 PM  
Blogger Homeschool on the Croft said...

Sooooo lovely, and yes - I teared up too!
Our eldest son is 17, and I can assure you, it passes in a flash. Thankfully, our youngest son is 7, so we still have the joy of a 'wee guy' too.
Love, Anne x

October 29, 2010 at 1:18 PM  
Anonymous Sue B said...

Thank you for this post. I have a 4 yr (5 next week) and 8 month old. I love my children more then anything but at times do get frustrated. I want my kids to have grand moments of their childhood. Your candle challenge this month has helped me focus on really what matters - thank you.

October 29, 2010 at 1:34 PM  
Blogger Traci Michele said...

OH yes! So true. Precious times, awwwww. I love how the one of your son is "dark" getting into the van. It looks cool.

Love your heart. Keep smiling and shining Jesus.

Love,
Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations

October 29, 2010 at 2:41 PM  
Anonymous Theresa @ Everyday Sacred said...

I just packed up and sent my youngest two boys ( 7 and 11 yrs. old) with their dad this week too. My husband and I own our own truck and he had a load out to Arizona. They are getting to spend 3 days visiting family down there too. :-) Hope Alex has a great time, I know my boys love being in the truck with daddy.

October 29, 2010 at 3:14 PM  
Blogger Chelli said...

I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog. I discovered it about a month ago and have really tried to implement some changes in my life. My husband even noticed and commented about the positive change in my attitude about being a stay at home mom and wife. I told him that there was this blog I had been reading by a Christian woman that was really encouraging me and holding me accountable to the Word. Thank you so much for all that you do and what an inspiration you are to me!
Abiding in Him,
Chelli

October 29, 2010 at 5:45 PM  
Anonymous Michele said...

So glad I found your blog today! I love this post in particular. Will try to remember to add 10 years now and then to keep things in perspective. God bless!

October 29, 2010 at 9:10 PM  
Blogger Iron Girl!! said...

Absolutely true Courtney! I had the opportunity to sit and chat with my two daughters the other day for the better part of an hour and I realized that it won't be long before they will be so much more grown up. They are 11 and 8 right now. Fast forward 10 years and our oldest daughter will be 21 and youngest 18! Oh how that thought brings tears in a way! Yes, I must give my best too...thank you for this excellent post.

October 30, 2010 at 7:08 AM  
Anonymous Michelle said...

So Sweet!
Thank you for sharing this post.
My boys are 29, 18, 17...
It is bittersweet to think about an empty nest.

October 30, 2010 at 8:41 AM  
Blogger Michele Williams said...

What a wonderful gift his dad and you are giving him by letting him go to work with his dad. It is hard letting go... my baby is 34 years old! My grandson just turned 16! They do grow up fast.. enjoy each moment!

October 30, 2010 at 9:07 AM  
Blogger Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

this was a really sweet post...and I have to say , the photo of your boy waiting to help his dad...with his backpack full and the stuffed dog peaking from the back...adorable :) :) I don't have kids yet...but a lot of my friends do...and their kids are still young..and they're going through that same stage of seeing the little ones growing up :) :) :) Thanks for sharing this. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

October 30, 2010 at 9:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amazing! I'm new to your blog, but have been so blessed by it. I don't have access to a group of Christian mothers, so your blog ministers to me in so many ways. With 2 year old and a 5 month old and a husband that has been working 24/7 on a project, I really needed this post!

October 30, 2010 at 9:40 PM  
Blogger kimmy said...

I dont know how many older more experienced moms have told me this..."enjoy it now because it goes so fast". Im trying to hold onto that in the middle of the night when i've been up for several hours or when my 3 year old is throwing a huge fit and totally humiliating me!lol Seriously it must be true because they all say it...and someday i will be saying it as well Im sure! Some days are so tiring but I am constantly reminding myself that I will miss this one day!

November 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM  
Blogger Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

Stopping over from the MOB Society today...my boys are 17, 14 and 13 and the time does go by so fast. When I think of the first time they put on their work boots to help Daddy, I tear up as well. Good for you for enjoying and documenting these fleeting moments!

December 14, 2010 at 9:49 AM  
Blogger Fields of gold said...

Hi Courtney, thanks for taking part in our Devotional Carnival! I love the thought of looking ahead ten years, rather than looking back. Excellent! Your words shared are so sweet.

Thanks again for sharing sister! Sam

January 14, 2011 at 9:46 PM  

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