Living in the moment.

I love this quote from Goodnight Blessings for My Child  By: Chris Shea
“A baby…. a part of God we get to hold” God gives and takes a way, he is the author of our lives.

As a working mom… just a mom in general I find it hard to just live in the moment. My mind is constantly running in all different directions. Being off this summer I thought it would be easier to spend quality time with God, do “school” with Oakland, take them to play-dates, make dinners, make really cute lunches, do amazing crafts, go out with my friends kid-less time to time….. Well I’d be lying if I told you I have done every one of those things….. the truth is that sometimes we envision these f a b u l o u s ideas and when it comes down to my day is already OVER! I just don’t understand it. I have an entire day to be with my children and cook dinner and I cannot even prepare a meal…. so it’s pizza night again or grilling chicken ( the prepared kind you just toss in the oven)

I need to be still and really breathe in each moment. I don’t know how long God will lend them to me.
God authors our lives with love… and illustrates them with children. They are not mine. I think when you truly understand that is when it gets a little easier to parent.. Maybe?

I know as moms we have this daily checklist of things we need to get done, but we need to slow down, enjoy the time we have with them… I mean really ENJOY it. Just sit there without our phones ( this is really hard for me) because I always want to snap a picture of them to remember that moment. Sit there and just listen to them laugh, listen to them talk or babble, listen to their wants and needs.

I also want them to know that they are loved, not by how much stuff they have, but by how much quality time is given and how affirming I was. I want to encourage them. I want to show them what love looks like. I want them to see my relationship with Jerod as a positive one.

Another thing I have noticed as a mom is that I have limited me time and friend time.

I put my family first above hanging out with friends. I know it’s a good thing at times but as a woman I NEED time with friends… I also desire it. I want to go places with other moms and talk about stuff other than teenage mutant ninja turtles or play cars.

Living in the moment requires stillness and opening our ears.

I pray that your day would be filled with joy and laughter. May you be able to live in the moment and take time for yourself! You deserve it, you carried your precious child(ren) and then delivered them, you bore pain, you suffered maybe to get them. Take time daily to reflect upon the amazing gifts God has given you. I know I am right now as I am typing.

As Ainsley gets closer to being O N E I find myself really trying to soak in every moment, every time she falls asleep on me, really looking at every beautiful finger and toe God gave her. I want to remember everything..

As you go about your busy day today try and be still, listen to your children, love on them, and truly thank God for making YOU their MOM.

Love this sign from https://www.etsy.com/listing/165448482/black-white-gold-polka-dot-start-each

and YOU don’t have to perfect to be beautiful! 🙂 Be who you are. 🙂

xoxo,
 Britt