In the throes of new parenthood there is a grieving period. I was guilty of mourning a little too openly with my friends who were not yet parents, reinforcing the binary.
Yes, exactly this, Breeann! My work as a mother is the most important legacy I will leave in this world. I've always felt this way, but that doesn't mean there weren't times when I yearned for more. It was helpful for me to categorize my life in seasons. The years when kiddos are small are incredibly draining and demanding. It's easy to feel you've completely lost yourself. But it's just a season. That season came around for me again while I was caring for my mom, and once again, it was hard and felt like forever. But it was just a season. It's a spiritual discipline to love the season you're in, giving thanks for all the richness of today. Contentment doesn't replace longing, it just pulls up a chair next to it.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Aileen! There is so much wisdom in your words. The view of “seasons” is so important in life. What a lovely last sentence - Contentment doesn’t replace longing, it just pulls up a chair next to it - that’s a perfect poetic summary of my thoughts! 😊
Thank you, Barb! It is so true with most things in life - the things that matter a lot, anyway. And oh yes, I love how you said that. We might miss some things, but would never trade. My feelings, exactly. 💜
In the throes of new parenthood there is a grieving period. I was guilty of mourning a little too openly with my friends who were not yet parents, reinforcing the binary.
Yes, exactly this, Breeann! My work as a mother is the most important legacy I will leave in this world. I've always felt this way, but that doesn't mean there weren't times when I yearned for more. It was helpful for me to categorize my life in seasons. The years when kiddos are small are incredibly draining and demanding. It's easy to feel you've completely lost yourself. But it's just a season. That season came around for me again while I was caring for my mom, and once again, it was hard and felt like forever. But it was just a season. It's a spiritual discipline to love the season you're in, giving thanks for all the richness of today. Contentment doesn't replace longing, it just pulls up a chair next to it.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Aileen! There is so much wisdom in your words. The view of “seasons” is so important in life. What a lovely last sentence - Contentment doesn’t replace longing, it just pulls up a chair next to it - that’s a perfect poetic summary of my thoughts! 😊
Beautifully written, Breeann
It’s true of many things in life!
Once blessed with a child we might miss some things, but would never trade.
Thank you, Barb! It is so true with most things in life - the things that matter a lot, anyway. And oh yes, I love how you said that. We might miss some things, but would never trade. My feelings, exactly. 💜
So true. I have come to recognize the paradox of life and most of the things worth doing. You sum that up so well here.
Thanks, my love 😊