Tender Moments....

Having three boys in three years- that are now all in school- definately has its challenges at times. For instance- the 3:30 to 8:30 scramble that takes place in our home every night. Let me give you an example. This was my day today:

3:30 get home from school and prepare the after school snack (sliced pears, chocolate milk and peanut butter pretzels)
Start homework and get ready for baseball practice

4:30 Leave for baseball practice

6:30 Return from practice
Start dinner

7:00 Eat dinner, do dishes, start laundry, feed the dog
Shower boys
Finish homework

8:30 Put boys to bed and read with each of them
Finish laundry, go through mail, get lunches and clothes ready for tomorrow


This time is a whirlwind and by the time 8:00 rolls around I am ready to crash in bed and I often dread having to read with the boys. I often rush the process and get frustrated when they get words wrong out of sheer exhaustion.

But tonight was different. When I was reading with the boys I relaxed enough to actually enjoy my time with them. We enjoyed the stories, laughed together and were even able to discuss the plot of the books. It was fun. When I was done reading with Brett, he said, "Mommy will you lay with me for a while?" My heart melted and of course I did.

As I laid there with his head on my chest and his hand on time of mine, I thanked God for moments like these and wondered why I don't enjoy them like this every night. It is so real to me that they are growing older much faster than I want them to, and I still rush through precious moments like reading together at night and miss them all together. But, tonight I didn't. I laid there until he fell asleep and I could feel him breathing deeply. Thanking God for opening my eyes to these blessings that I can experience every single night if I allow my self to slow down and enjoy them.