Andrew and I have a precious little nine month old daughter. She’s got the cutest wrist rolls, the softest, most kissable cheeks, and brings more joy and frustration into our lives than we ever imagined possible. 🙂 I was browsing through some of our pictures last week from when she was a newborn and had the first ping of “woah. this went way faster than I expected!” The first parental pings of sadness were all of the sudden there; the first pings of missing a stage she used to be in.
Before Karaline Joy was born, Andrew and I made a decision. We decided to try with all of our power to encourage each other and hold ourselves accountable to savor every moment with our children in such a way that when we missed those moments in the future, we would know that even if we somehow were able to go back, we couldn’t have enjoyed them any more than we did; to live without wishing for the future and lamenting the past.
We decided to try…to savor every moment with our children in such a way that when we missed those moments in the future, we would know that even if we somehow were able to go back, we couldn’t have enjoyed them any more than we did
When those first twangs of sadness came at not being able to hold Kara the way I used to, that now she squirms and screams instead of cuddles, I immediately realized that in light of living out the mindset Andrew and I had, I didn’t have to live in sadness because I truly did enjoy the moments I had with Kara as a newborn. I can live in light of where she is now; all the while thanking the Lord for the time gone by. If I already start mourning who she’s not anymore, I will live completely unsatisfied with where she is now and miss out on this precious stage of her life…and that cycle of discontentment will never end. That is the last thing I want to look back on my parenting years and see.
I challenge all of us parents today; myself included…live in the moment with your child. Enjoy who they are today without imposing unfair desires that they either were someone they used to be or that they were in a stage that they are not yet in. Simply “be” with them where they are at; for all too soon this moment will forever be gone and you will look back wishing you could be at today.
joyfullywed 
” I can live in light of where she is now; all the while thanking the Lord for the time gone by. If I already start mourning who she’s not anymore, I will live completely unsatisfied with where she is now and miss out on this precious stage of her life…and that cycle of discontentment will never end”.
Very well said, Stacy. This applies in many areas of life: relationships with anyone/any age, even in the work/business world. Don’t let discouragement and discontentment crush your spirit. Pray instead for the joy to return.
Thank you, Stacy!! So encouraged by this as I prepare my heart for kiddos entering our home soon. The temptation to wish something was the way it used to be is so real and I pray I am able to hold to the truths you and Andrew are holding to. Thank you for sharing! I look forward to learning more from you!
Love, Olivia