This almost never happens, I think, as I sink into the leather armchair with coffee in one hand and the "Food" section in the other. It's a gift, really.
The house was quiet at 7 a.m. I listened and heard only the hushed hum of the refrigerator and the muffled cacophony of bird chatter beyond the glass doors that lead to our backyard.
It was unexpected -- that moment to finish reading the paper, to savor my coffee and to think a few independent thoughts before the steady stream of morning snuggles and breakfast requests came parading down the staircase.
And I thought of them. I thought about each one of them. I considered their strengths and their weaknesses. I pondered how to help them get past the obstacles that seem to be repeatedly stopping them up these days. I prayed for them.
This is how I would like to start each day, I thought, if only their sleep patterns were more dependable. But mothering doesn't follow any predictable arc long enough.
So I'll take today and see what I can do with it. Tomorrow's shape is anybody's guess.
The house was quiet at 7 a.m. I listened and heard only the hushed hum of the refrigerator and the muffled cacophony of bird chatter beyond the glass doors that lead to our backyard.
It was unexpected -- that moment to finish reading the paper, to savor my coffee and to think a few independent thoughts before the steady stream of morning snuggles and breakfast requests came parading down the staircase.
And I thought of them. I thought about each one of them. I considered their strengths and their weaknesses. I pondered how to help them get past the obstacles that seem to be repeatedly stopping them up these days. I prayed for them.
This is how I would like to start each day, I thought, if only their sleep patterns were more dependable. But mothering doesn't follow any predictable arc long enough.
So I'll take today and see what I can do with it. Tomorrow's shape is anybody's guess.
You are so smart to savor those moments. You still shared the quiet with your children, but with the ability to stand back and see the world without the everyday pulling you in.
ReplyDeleteThese are rare times, but so refreshing.
Deletelove this. i've tried to get up before the kiddos this summer (joined an on line Bible study called Inspired to Action). it was great... when i did it. i need some work on that kind of discipline. but how sweet it was when i did it. and the day started so much better. my thoughts were turned to Him more. hope you have a great day! movers are loading the truck for us now!
ReplyDeleteWow, Amie! Thanks for taking a moment to leave a comment in the midst of the mayhem. You are so faithful.
ReplyDeleteI tried "I to A" twice this year and had the same experience. I'd like to blame Henry, who still doesn't *always* sleep through the night, but really a lot of it is that I'm not as self-disciplined as I'd like to be. :(
Oh, these moments are rare, but such a gift when they come. I always marvel at how much differently our days go when I've had a chance to collect myself, to "zoom out" on all of us and think clearly and prayerfully about how to best mother --how to best be-- on any given day.
ReplyDelete