The girls are visiting their Nanny for a few days and, just as always, I have visions in my head of all that I will accomplish in their absence: finish up preparing for She Speaks, clean all the toilets, change the sheets, go to the store, finish the laundry, hang out with girlfriends, catch up on So You Think You Can Dance, read a book, de-clutter the closets, save the world.
They are only gone for three days. And? I still have one kid here with me. Even so, I always have high expectations for what’s gonna go down when my load is lightened a bit. What generally happens is I get half of my list done, lament the other half and spend the re-entry day on edge. (You know, re-entry…the day the kids come back.)
This time, though, in part due to my new-found love of the morning, I am actually able to finish some things. More than that, I have had the opportunity to stop and miss my girls. I wasn’t planning on doing that. It certainly wasn’t on the list. Still, there is a heavy sweetness to walking in their room without them in it. There are reminders of their life-stage strewn all about, what only days ago I would have called a mess. Perspective changes everything, doesn’t it?
As I sat down this morning to try to put into words the longing for my girls that I only notice when they are gone, I came across this post from Tuesday’s Unwrapped by my bloggy friend Karin. Her header alone is reason to visit. She practically and authentically gives voice to what is still tucked away in my heart. Thank you, Karin for putting the words out there for us. We are collectively nodding our heads.
“There are reminders of their life-stage strewn all about, what only days ago I would have called a mess”
That line gave me encouragement for my day as I sit and stare at play dough crumbs all over my kitchen. Thank you!
I, too, had a week with my big kids visiting my parents and a long to-do list. But, as I said in my post about it, the quiet was hard to get used to.
And also, I cut the bottom of my foot, and so was forced to prop my foot up, thus not accomplishing much on my list.
I love the way God uses things like pain to teach us to be still and listen.
Thank you for sharing Karin with us! Both of your posts were encouraging!
Am I a girlfriend? Do we need to catch up? Do I sound desperate? Okay, I’ll stop.
What an encouragement Karin’s post was to me today – I absolutely know the feeling of longing for them when they are gone. It happens quite rarely around here, but on a weekend when my hubbie takes the boys to his parents you’ll often find me go from bouncing off the walls excited, playing my own music, and eating ice cream from the carton – to tears trickling down my fave… sitting on their empty floor and missing the noises they create.
Also dear Emily, thank you for popping over to the blog today – I am certain I’ve referenced that article of yours so many times I should just print it up and stick it on my inspiration board. A woman of the Lord who is so gifted with her words, you’re a blessing.
I’m chuckling at Kendra’s comment…can so relate.
I need to stop, ponder and miss my kids. But considering I just spent 18 hours straight in the mini van with them, it may be awhile.
Indy is in a summer day camp right now and M is TDY (army thing) so I’m alone all day. I had so much planned and haven’t gotten even half of it done. I miss my boy! Also, I’ve spent hours and hours watching Gilmore Girls on DVD and making invited, and all sorts of other random things for Indy’s upcoming b-day party. My house is a disaster! I don’t care though. When I pick up the boy in the evenings, I just want to be with him. He doesn’t care if the house is a mess.
My how unknowingly lives parallel – my middle two are at “Grammie Camp” while the ‘oldest’ [by a minute, but oh does he so live up to the title
] is at Scout Day Camp…leaving me with only one many hours each day. The Youngest One. Add to that hubby traveling way too much, and my list is long, as well. I haven’t even started on it. And re-entry day is this one and the next. Guess I’d better go appreciate these three hours of naptime that I have left (oh! hers, not mine of course)! But first, a hearty thank you to such a dear friend. Your words brought tears to my eyes. You are too, too kind.
Good luck getting YOUR list done…I’m off to ‘save the world,’ too! (One dust cloth, vacuum, and paintbrush at a time!)
~Karin
oh yes, the list. while my kids are trekking about with grandparents for a good chunk of the summer, i am working away at my list. this year, i got quite a bit accomplished… including missing them a bit. i know that feeling well… peeking into their rooms and feeling wistful. but home again, they are. and life continues… and that unfinished list lingers.