tonyandkirsten.org

I read an an article this week in the Ames Tribune that reminded me about how much I should take joy in the challenges and circumstances of each day. Whether it’s looking forward to graduation, getting married, having kids, buying a house, the kids starting school, the kids leaving the house, or any of life’s other milestones it seems to be human nature to always be looking forward to the next thing.

In some ways, I think that’s just fine. I’m really excited for Madeline to learn to walk and talk and eat solid food…because those are all signs of growing up, and I’m excited for what’s in store for her future as she (God willing) someday becomes an influencer of others for Christ. At the same time, I don’t want to let my excitement for the future turn into discontent of my life circumstances today. I want to live by verses like Colossians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Is anyone else singing along to that verse?)

So far I think I’m doing okay in this area. I know I am biased, but I think Madeline is darn cute and a pretty agreeable baby She’s learning new things everyday; she’s sleeping through the night; she’s getting to be a little more predictable in her schedule. Things are a lot easier than when she was just a few days or weeks old. While she still has times of fussiness and screaming, usually it’s now for a reason and we can do something about it (feeding, diaper change, nap, etc). I can put her down in her swing, infant seat or exersaucer for a few mintues and she can amuse herself while I cook or get other things done.

But I need to remind myself to enjoy each day for all it’s worth. Madeline has already grown tremendously. She has outgrown newborn clothes she will never wear again, and no longer likes to be curled up quite so tightly in my arms as she did in her first few weeks of life. Soon today’s cute clothes will also be outgrown and she will no longer need me to help her balance to stand on my lap or sit against the couch. She‘ll no longer smile in delight when simply batting at toys that hang above a chair. I don’t want to get so caught up in housework or ministry or reading blogs or looking eagerly to the future that I don’t appreciate each unique day in my daughter’s life.

I am trusting God that He will help me to find contentment each day as Madeline grows older and moves through various life stages, as we have (God willing) more children, and as we experience all of lifes ups and downs and other milestones.