I have quite a few friends that have small children. As I am on the other end of the "child spectrum" I can relate to their woes, yet I am not experiencing them at this time in my life. As I was brushing my teeth this morning I realized there is something I am going to have to deal with soon, and I tell ya, I'm not ready for it.
Let me 'splain.
Hannah has had a house-sitting/dog-sitting job this week, and I have not seen much of her. As I said before, I was brushing my teeth this morning and I noticed three toothbrushes in the jar. I am not ready for three toothbrushes in the jar. I want four toothbrushes in the jar. Four. I am not ready for my girl to leave the nest. It makes me cry just to think of it. When I think that in a little over a year we will be houseful of three instead of four..... Oy.
Then I think (pray for) of Joey's mom and dad who have to deal with little ones AND children leaving the nest. Whoodog.
So we all have our hurdles we must jump, or climb over, or crawl to the top of, and we all need the giudance of our great God and the assistance of our wonderful friends.
Karli and Jen, someday you will be MY sanity fairies!
10 comments:
Believe it or not, I think there's actually a sanity preservative in having the wide spectrum of old and young. The frustrations that come with a houseful of young ones (and I had five ages six and under some years ago) are not so paramount when your attention is spread out over the ages. You really do find it easier to take things in stride and laugh more at the trials, or just shrug off what you've learned really doesn't matter. You're also better able to focus on what really DOES matter.
And with the older ones leaving it feels more to like a completion of the circle of life than a loss in my life. Maybe it's easier because there is still so much going on in the full house; but I've never felt like I wanted them out to make more room. I just love watching them grow and become strong adults. And I LOVE having them come home so I can relate to them as Christian brothers and sisters.
God tells us to rejoice with them that do rejoice and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This applies to us in regards our adult children. Just remember how exciting it was to be getting out on your own and spreading your wings. I remember it well and rather than dwell on what I'll be missing I get excited for what they'll be experiencing. However, I remember it was a difficult time and I do feel for them as I know they have to grow through it just like I did.
Thus ends another chapter of an unwritten book! I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for a very touching post, Kristi. Love you.
Good reminder to be thankful for all the toothbrushes in my house. And, the socks on the floor, toys scattered about and never ending laundry. It's all part of a bigger picture. Of which I'm thankful to be a part of.
KeithsladyJoeysmom, when you write that book, I will be first in line to buy it! Actually I'll probably have to wrestle Karli for first place in line....
I don't think I could compare with Tedd Tripp's "Shepherding a Child's Heart" for sound Biblical parenting, or with Carla for humor!
I would love to be your sanity fairy someday, sweet Kristy girl! And I love that you don't want the toothbrush (aka Hannah) to leave the nest...I think I'll feel the same when my little toothbrushes are nearing the end of their stay here.
Can you put your wings on for Friday? T minus 43 hours and counting until the Brain comes home...:)
Okay, now I am crying.
Wow, ooof. what a great post
I say keep the toothbrushes at 4. That way when Hannah comes back to visit and forgot hers, she's covered.
AWESOME Idea Karli!
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