I am an introvert in a family of extroverts. My daughters are two little chatterboxes who start talking the minute they wake up and don’t stop until they fall asleep. Occasionally, they also talk in their sleep. As I write this, the sound of The Little Mermaid fills the house and the cat is meowing at me to feed him. Earlier, when I tried to work, my youngest daughter thought it would be a good time to test out my suitability as a jungle gym. My eldest has come to check on me no less than three times in the twenty minutes I have been working.
And yet, as much as I long for a moment’s reprieve, I am not sure I really want it. Oh, it would be nice to be able to finish a book in one sitting, or go to the bathroom by myself for a change, or even have a cup of tea without a wriggling toddler trying to steal a sip, but I would be losing out on so many special moments. Snuggling on the couch while watching the Tinker Bell movies for the thousandth time; looking up at the clouds while a little girl rides horsey on my stomach; very serious discussions about the psychology of the characters in Toy Story.
Yes, I have work that needs to get done – but not necessarily in one session. These moments are fleeting, this stage of their lives over so quickly, and I don’t want to miss out. How much longer will they be able to fit on my lap as we read? How many more kisses before they decide it’s not cool to kiss Mom or Dad? How many more afternoons being silly together? Before I know it, they’ll be grown and gone.
My house might not be all that peaceful, but there is peace in my heart. I have two lively, lovely little girls who bring sunshine into whatever room they enter. I have a wonderful husband. I have a risen Saviour, and it is His peace that fills my heart. He is my peace in the chaos. Sometimes I allow the distractions and concerns of everyday life to crowd out this peace, and it is then that worry sets it, then that I forget just who it is I serve: my Jesus, my Prince of Peace.
I want my daughters to know the Prince of Peace too; not just know Him, but have hearts filled with Him. I can’t make them choose Him, but I can pray that in this chaotic life they will see Him as the oasis that He is.
Oh Mel – you are so right!! Precious fleeting moments that build into their lives, one moment at a time!! The value of these million incidental times cannot be calculated or valued, but they ongoingly build security and love into their lives, which gives them a deep peace too 🙂
🙂
Sometimes I really need some of that peace in my heart. My husband is great and gives me a kiddy break when I need it, but sometimes I’d really like a lot more!
We could always do with more. 🙂
From one introvert to another, I hear the noise of young extroverts. It’s my daily soundtrack, and at times it’s more than I think I can handle. But you’re right, the King of creation has grown my patience and I’m learning to sit in His presence while in the midst of chaos.
Marissa
Thanks for reading.
I love this Melanie. As I read, I just had that peace and inner mommy-giggle as I know just the feeling as well as the joy and peace. I’m praying that many-a-mommy who isn’t quite there yet will have a Melanie in their lives to minister by example to them.
#BeTheLight
Thanks for reading.
sometimes the best thing we can do is to pray – even in the midst of all the chaos
Amen!
My kids are much older than yours. 2 adults, and 2 high schoolers. I homeschooled them from kindergarten and always worried if it was the best choice, if I was good enough of a teacher, if they were ‘missing’ something… etc etc, but when my #1 kid graduated high school, I looked back and was so so very glad that I had not missed a moment of their growing up days. That basically every single day was spent with them, watching them grow, struggles and all. I counsel other moms who are where I was a few years ago (homeschool or not) to take time to invest now (like you are doing) b/c you’ll be so very very glad you did later. thanks for the reminder of what’s most important!.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Such cute girls! You are truly blessed. I believe the Lord will draw those sweet girls to Him just like he did their mother.
Thanks for reading.
Sometimes we may not always be happy. But the peace of God gives us joy in all seasons of life. You’re little ones are very cute! God bless!
Thanks for reading!
So many joys! When your daughters see Jesus in your peace and joy, they will be drawn to the God who gives it to you. You are an awesome mother.
Thanks for reading.
I so identified. I also am an introvert. Sometimes the nose drives me crazy and then I think, “But you’re going to miss this.”
Thanks for reading.