I’m giving away the best years of my life y’all. Giving them to a demanding toddler who needs much training and guidance. I’m giving away the best of my body as I’m growing little lives inside me and nourishing them outside of me.
Instead of doing what I want, chasing personal dreams, and working on my “life bucket list” I’m at the beck and call of a family. These are the best years of my life and I’m just giving them away.
Perhaps I should be sad about this. Perhaps I should resent the constant demands on my time and attention. Perhaps I should be angry that my clean house never stays clean, or the laundry is always behind.
Perhaps I should be annoyed that feeding our son gluten-free has increased our grocery bill. And maybe I should be stressed that kids cost money and are pushing our dream of a home in the country a few more years away, not to mention our ultimate dream of being debt free.
I could be frustrated that I have to find lots of ways to save money, like spending a little more time and line drying to save $1 a load, or needing to garden to save money, or having to spend a little extra time to find the best deals shopping online.
But I’m not.
Why are these the best years of my life?
Because I’m giving them away.
Fulfillment comes from a pouring out of yourself into others. When you recognize your calling in life is to draw others to Christ, you find fulfillment.
I’m giving these years to my family. I’m giving my love and care and prayers for them and it’s not without ups and downs. I get tired and weary at times and want to give up and lay down.
Toddlers have no appreciation for anything, believing it’s all deserved and sometimes I wonder what the point is. But then I realize.
The point of parenting is to raise a child who is naturally inclined to selfishness, destruction and entitlement to an adult who puts himself last and God first. I’m freely giving away the best years of my life to raise up a generation of young men (and hopefully women) that will glorify God and not self.
These are the best years of my life, but only because I’m giving them away. I delight in seeing my son learn; and sitting on the floor to play with him and ignoring my work for 5 minutes does more to refresh my spirits than any other thing I could do.
It’s a daily giving, a daily pouring out of myself but I need to remember and you, dear mother need to remember this as well.
The Jesus we serve, he gave his the best years of his life for us, and he gave his life. But even Jesus needed a break, a time apart from the crowds and demands. Let’s not forget our quiet time mommas. 🙂
I definitely struggle with quiet time and putting aside the cares and thoughts of being a homemaker/wife/mommy/blogger, but it makes such a difference in my day when I remember.
I’m giving away the best years of my life. Giving them in service to the one who gave his entire life for me. No wonder these are my best years!
Laurie Collett says
November 8, 2015 at 10:40 pmIf we give Him our best, we will be rewarded beyond measure! Thanks for the great post & for hosting, & God bless.
Mariana says
November 9, 2015 at 6:15 amThis is so precious!
As a mom of a toddler I know exactly what are you talking about. My daughter is going through a phase of selfishness that makes me and hubby look puzzled at each other, trying to figure out how to deal with her. Some days I feel I’m just battling, instead of educating. Some days I ask myself whether I’m doing a good job or making it worse. Some days (like yesterday) I’m going to sleep so frustrated, but then I talk to the Lord and get comforted to His words that I’m giving my best, and all the rest He will provide.
Thank you for your inspirational post!
Kendra says
November 9, 2015 at 8:36 amIsn’t that amazing? The way our God will step in and fill up the blank spaces after we’ve done all that we can!
Carol says
November 9, 2015 at 9:02 amOh, Kendra, Truth given in wisdom and understanding! Of course, we all have much more to learn as you ice goes by; one day at a time, line upon line, precept upon precept. Looking to the Lord to impart wisdom and understanding, applying rightly His word to our lives and that of our children.
God bless you and your precious family, Carol
Carol says
November 9, 2015 at 9:05 amOops, not “as you ice”, but I meant “as time ” goes by. Some times I wonder about these computers! Ugh! Carol
Michelle says
November 9, 2015 at 4:19 pmI just wanted to take the time to thank you for writing such good quality posts. We have a tough and demanding job. It is worthwhile though. Thank you for your encouragement to mothers everywhere.