One week ago I was sitting in a room holding Samuel waiting to be transferred to Children’s Hospital.
One week and one day ago I woke up thinking it was just another day. I went about my day, did life, unaware to the fragility of life.
I forgot.
I got so wrapped up in the things that I deemed ultra-important — laundry, cleaning, yardwork, even my writing — and lost sight of what’s ultimately important — my family. I began to take for granted that they will always be here. I soothed my busy self with thoughts of “there’s always tomorrow” as I scurried around keeping up with my trumping needs.
One week ago the pressing needs of my life shifted to one of life.
The laundry waited. The cleaning stood still. The grass grew. And, honestly, I didn’t care.
So, now, today, as I sit and write — while holding wiggly Samuel — I am trying to save a bit of that perspective on life so that I don’t slip back into my busy self. As I was praying last night I realized that if I constantly tell my kids “in a minute” the day will come when their minutes here with me will have expired. Or they won’t want to share their minutes. Time is limited. Concrete. We’re all blessed with a finite number of minutes to use.
It’s balance.
It’s living in a healthy tension between accomplishing what needs to be done and being aware and intentionally setting aside time for your loved ones.
One week ago I was brought to my knees in gratitude.
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The picture below is of Samuel’s throat taken with the scope. I’ve debated showing it for the last week. After some thought I’ve decided to share the picture so that you can view the smallness of baby’s throat. When they say “cut grapes” for toddlers they truly mean cut those grapes. It’s worth every minute crawling around looking for teeny objects.
The second reason I’m showing it is so that you can rejoice with me over Samuel’s life. Your prayers made a difference — one that I am forever grateful for. We serve an Awesome God. He is MIGHTY TO SAVE!
23 comments
glad to read your post today! I need to take more time with my kids – the laundry can wait. My children are much older than yours 20 and 15. They won’t be here much longer.
Such a great post, so true! Our minutes will expire, you have such a great perspective on life! Thanks for sharing the joys and pains, it reminds us all of the delicate balance!
What a wonderful reminder. I too get so caught up in everything that has to be done & I say ‘Just a minute.’ to my children so often. I took my morning today just to spend time with my boys. And, I didn’t think about all the other stuff. I just enjoyed them. It was so refreshing.
That picture of the star in Samuel’s throat is pretty amazing. God’s hand was definitely at work!
Blessings and wise words for everyone. As a grey hair mom I keep trying to remember to stop when they say, “hey mom, come look….do you hear me? Did you hear everything I said?” Having been in emergency rooms while life was hanging…more times than I want to count, I should know what is precious. I seem to always need a reminder.
Enjoy….so glad he is fine…blessings, blessings, blessings,
Janette
I’m rejoicing with you today! What a blessing that Samuel is here, safe and sound. God was watching over him!
You referenced one of my favorite verses, Zephaniah 3:17:
“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
May it be so.
And I join in with the rejoicing today for Samuel’s precious life.
I’m so glad that Samuel is okay! And it didn’t something even worse (although that was bad enough) to help you to take time with him each day. I’m like you. I want to do what I want to do and if the kids are in the way then they are a bother.
Um.
No, it should be the other way. The other stuff gets in the way of the kids!
Just had to scroll down and read a few posts to find out what happened. Such a blessing that Samuel is okay!
Thanks for a reminder about priorities. (hugs)
thank you for showing that picture! I had no idea. I am going to be more careful with stuff on the floor. Thank you so much and I am so glad that your little one is okay.
missusmechanic
Ohhh I adore your post…I am so happy that he is ok…He is such a cute little boy:) Thank you so much for your lovely comment:) I cant wait to read more of your posts:) Have a wonderful afternoon and see you soon:)
Btw: 7? Wow…that is a lovely big family:) Happy:)
you are so right! One day those minutes will expire and they won’t want to talk to us. So glad Samuel is OK. xo
Could you PLEASE go over to Pennies from Heaven, and follow her. You see, at this link~
http://guinevereamoureaux.blogspot.com/2010/06/150th-post-part-1.html
She is hosting a giveaway for a $20 gift certificate. And she is going to give it to the person that can round up the most followers! So, please go over and follower her, saying that ‘Johanna and An Old-Fashioned Girl’ sent you?
Thank you So much!
~Johanna~
praise the Lord for precious samuel! the Lord is good indeed and mighty to save! i just want to sing that now! amen!
Thank-you for the sweet reminder! God is so good & He truly is mighty to save!! How precious your little boy is- praying for him & for you today!
Jessica
He’s so adorable! Thrilled that he’s okay!
Continuing to pray in Seattle!
Psalms 27:7-9 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Prayer Bears
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ok, I am so guilty of saying “Just a minute” and it turning into 10,20, or even 30 minutes. I have been challenged by your post today, and I’m going to link to it on my blog too. Thank you.
When I see that image of the star lodged in Samuel’s throat, it makes me praise God all the more for His divine protection!
Praise Him for each minute we get with our children and loved ones!
Reminds me of the song “Time is Tickin Away”. Can’t for the life of me remember who sang it. But yes, our moments with those we love are precious and I am much too guilty of saying, “wait”. I praise God every time I see your precious Samuel’s little face that he is okay. God is so good.
Thank goodness he’s ok! That is scary…I mean, when something is lodged into your throat…that’s not good.
Did I mention, Sam is probably one of the top CUTEST baby’s I have ever seen! His cheeks are so chubby and adorable. =)
Every time I see pics of him I thank the Lord that he’s okay!
Praying!
Psalms 27:13-14: I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Prayer Bears
My email address
You are so blessed!
I’m so happy for you and your family. I also wanted to say thank you for this…. ” if I constantly tell my kids “in a minute” the day will come when their minutes here with me will have expired. Or they won’t want to share their minutes. Time is limited. ” I’m taking it to heart.