I had a baby New Year’s Eve. Every day this year, I have held that little boy, breathing him in slowly. I have studied his features intently, taking in everything from the hairs on his head to his ten tiny toes.
With my first baby, people told me it would go fast, but I didn’t really understand how fast.
I didn’t savor the moments like I should have.
With my second baby, she didn’t sleep much, I was her paci and the months were a blur.
Again, I didn’t savor the moments like I should have.
But with him, my third and my last, I know what I’m in for.
This time, I’m savoring.
I let him sleep on me, not ready to rush to bed after he has fallen asleep. Every day I get home from work and hug him, wanting to remember his size, his smell, his smile — everything — right now.
He has reminded me of the importance of savoring in other areas of my life too. Having a newborn forces you to re-prioritize, think and slow down, and I am striving to do these things.
We can all learn a lesson here. Don’t read these words and think, I know slowing down is important. I have heard this. Blah. Blah. Blah. This is a truth we need again and again.
Sister, we move too fast. And we are missing out.
My baby #3 has taught me to say yes to my children more. I listen intently when when they tell me knock, knock jokes that make no sense — and laugh anyway. I say yes to one more game of Uno because someday they won’t want to play with Mom on the couch.
My baby #3 has reminded me that nothing replaces time together — with family, with friends, with strangers. I have had more lunches, started a book club, and planned parties.
My baby #3 has reminded me that life’s seasons are just that — seasons that are here and then gone. In the blink of an eye we can miss it all.
I think we all could use a baby #3 reminder now and again. As the days get longer and with summer vacation upon us, we have a choice. We can savor and take the season in, or we can rush so fast that we miss the beauty.
Summer is our baby #3. The chance to NOT MISS ANYTHING. TO SAVOR.
I’m going into this season with arms and heart open wide, ready for the beauty.
Ready for friends and cookouts. Ready for fireworks. Ready for water balloons and sprinklers. Ready for fresh produce. Ready for the glory of long, sunshiny days.
May we do our best to be present and experience it fully.
Today let’s share one thing we are savoring in our life, right now. Together we will enrich one another’s lives and magnify the glory of God.
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