Here's a lovely quote by Marianne Neifert, which an Above Rubies reader sent to me. I'm sure you will identify with these same feelings . . .
"If I hadn't had children, I probably would have had more money and material things. I probably would have gone more places, gotten more sleep, pampered myself more. My life would have been much more boring and predictable. As a result of being a parent, I have laughed harder, cried more often. I have worried more and hurried more. I've had less sleep, but somehow I've had more fun. I've learned more, grown more. My heart has ached harder, and I've loved to a capacity beyond my imagination. I've given more of myself, but I've derived more meaning from life."
Isn't it true? We experience the delirious joys of motherhood and also the aches and pains of motherhood, but our lives are richer for them all. How much we would have missed out on if we hadn't been blessed with each child God has given us. And we get more than we start with. As each of our children marry and have children, we receive the blessing of grandchildren! That’s unbeatable! And then great-grandchildren. That’s even more amazing!
Dear young mothers, forget sighing and grumbling about all your frustrations. These precious days with your little ones go too quickly. My three oldest children are all over 50 years of age, but it still seems like one blink of my eye since the day they were born. As I look back on raising our children, do I regret that I didn't get involved in more activities outside the home or further my career? Oh no. I regret every moment I didn't spend with them. I never felt I had enough time to pour into them all I wanted to before they were gone and flown the nest.
Treasure every moment with the children God has given you, today.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
Picture: Back when my twins were born, 1965 (Evangeline on the left and Stephen on the right). At that time I had three children under 17 months.