July.
Most of you will read that word and think: this month, summer, 4th of July, fireworks, cook-outs, heat, vacation and more. I look at that word and see something entirely different. I see.....Me. July is a big month for me. It defines who I am and who I will always be. The month of July has changed my life for eternity and because of that, it means a lot to me. The three things that mean the most to me became my reality, all in the month of July. I asked Jesus to be my Savior in July when I was 13 years old. My future was sealed. I belong to Jesus and I'm striving every day to bring Him glory. My hope is now in Him alone, and I trust Him completely. *My life is forever changed. One hot July afternoon, I walked down a rose petal covered dirt path to stand with my best friend in front of all our family and closest friends and vowed to love and adore him all my life. I became a wife that day. Someone else became more important than myself. My life was now wrapped up in the most handsome, loving, funniest, creative human being I have ever known. *My life is forever changed. What started as a normal day of work ended in a moment that I would never forget. On July 11th, 2001, I became a mom. All of sudden, 4 weeks early, this tiny 6 pound, bald, baby boy was laid on my stomach and everything I thought I knew about life, changed in that moment. Life was no longer about me, it was all about this beautiful gift God chose to give me to love, teach, nurture, and raise for God's glory. *My life is forever changed. That's who I am. I am a Christian, a wife and a mama. Although there are many other traits that describe me, these are the only three that truly matter. They are the only ones that are going to make a difference for eternity. So, what does all this have to do with "fleeting moments"? As time is passing and I am getting older, I realize how important each moment is. I also realize how many important moments I have missed because I haven't appreciated what I have. I want to change that. I want to intentionally live "in" each moment and soak them up. I've allowed too much stuff and stress to take those precious moments from me and I don't want to keep making that same mistake. That precious little boy, who made me a mama? He turns 16 today. 16 years old! He's almost a man. As my husband and I was planning a party for our son, he asked me this question: "Where did 16 years go?" Where did 16 years go? Where is that bald baby boy? Where are those chunky legs that took those first steps? Where is that sweet touch that patted his baby brother on the head when they first met? Where is that country twang that called his leg a "wag" for several years? Where is that contagious laugh that would cause the rest of us to burst out in laughter? Where is that small ball glove and short bat that he used to play his first year of baseball? Where is that little boy who wanted to be a fireman just like his Pawpaw? Where are the hot wheels and the toy firetrucks? Where did all that time go? And where was I when it was all passing so quickly? I was there, but was I really there? I am so blessed. I know that. God has given me the desires of my heart and blessed me more ways than I can count. I am the proud Mama of 5 great kids! I have the great joy and privilege to carry another precious life within my womb right now, and I get to spend eternity with a precious baby that the Lord took home early in miscarriage. I get to spend the rest of my days with my husband right next to me , holding my hand and leading our family through this life. I'm blessed and I don't want to take those blessings for granted. Our youngest child will be one this month. That in itself is hard to believe. God closed my womb for 6 years and we thought our family was complete. But He gave us the greatest surprise in this little one. The moment we knew she was coming we began praising Him for His blessing. You see, I've been a mom for 16 years now. I started very young and I've pretty much grown up with my children. I've learned a lot. Each of them are teaching me. I am NO expert and I still have many years and many lessons to learn, but for the lessons the Lord has already presented to me - I want to act upon them. Time goes fast. You grandmothers out there are shaking your heads in agreement. You have already learned this truth. But you new mamas are just beginning this adventure and even though we seasoned mothers will tell you this, you won't quite believe it til a few years have passed. :) So, I'll share only this: Soak it in. Every moment of every day. The good, the bad, the hard, the gross and the ugly. Soak it in! It will soon be over and your heart will ache for those memories, those fleeting moments. Just ask the Mama whose baby just got married, or the grandmother who is now holding her baby's baby, or the widow who has laid her soul mate to rest. Time is short. Our days are numbered, and we are blessed to do life with those we love, so let's take advantage. Soak your loved ones in! I've always loved being a mom and being with my children, and you truly couldn't pay me to be anywhere else doing any other job. But... I have overlooked some moments, and I'm learning from them. I was told this past year that I hold my baby too much. :) Ha! Ha! It's true! I hold my baby all the time and I will continue to do so as long as I am able. Here's why: It's taken many years and five children for me to realize how short time is. Soon, she won't let me hold her. The snuggles will cease, she'll want to run and play and do things all on her own. But now, right now, I get to hold her, snuggle her and love on her. And I'm not going to miss that opportunity this time around. I'm going to enjoy every little moment I get. I'll always be glad that I did. :) Fleeting moments..... don't miss them. Enjoy each one! Joyfully His, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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