You know how sometimes when you are looking at other people’s life via their blog, Instagram or other social media, you think to yourself, “they have a life.” Well, maybe you don’t think that, but sometimes I do. {I’m not saying I don’t have a life or that I don’t treasure each beautiful day I’ve been given.} Usually, I think this during periods of my life when I don’t have much going on. Well, this month is NOT one of those times. As a matter of fact, I’ve been so busy living my life that I haven’t had much time to visit my friends’ blogs, etc.
I really shouldn’t even be taking the time to write this post because I have so much to do. However, a very wise woman shared some good advice with me yesterday. My Mom reminded me I should still take some time out for me amongst the hustle and bustle.
I’m embarking upon one of the most busiest weeks of my career as a mother. Not only that, but one filled with lots of emotions. If you’ve been reading my blog you already know what I’m referring to…our oldest daughter is graduating from high school.
Yesterday was my youngest daughter’s birthday and Mother’s Day. On top of that, I taught a lesson at church and we went to my oldest daughter’s Baccalaureate service. Tuesday morning I will be attending my 4th grader’s school talent show. She and one of her besties are dancing in it as a duet. We will also be attending her 4th grade graduation banquet Tuesday evening. Wednesday there are 2 church activities scheduled at the same time for both of our daughters. One of those occasions where hubby will have to go to one while I go to the other. The church is hosting a special reception for the 3 seniors graduating this week. Our new 10 year old’s church activity is a parent’s night where they share what they {equivalent to a girl scout group} have been working on throughout the year. Family will begin to come on Wednesday and Thursday. {looking forward to having our parents and siblings here to celebrate} Thursday is the last day of school and graduation will be held that evening.
Today our pergola was supposed to be delivered. Just found out it won’t be here until tomorrow…one more thing to add to Tuesday. Today will be filled with cleaning and finishing a paint project in my youngest girl’s bedroom while the kids are at school.
I can hardly believe the time has come to see our firstborn graduate. It was only last night as the band played “Pomp and Circumstance” {the beginning of the Baccalaureate service} and we saw our daughter walking down the aisle with her cap & gown that I saw emotion from my hubby. A tear trickled down his face. It wasn’t until the closing prayer of the service that the salty liquid came pouring down my cheeks. “I pray that these parents can let their children go.” It’s not like we’ll never see her again. We still have all summer with her {thank goodness.} It’s just the beginning of a different phase for us as parents. It’s so weird this feeling. I’m so excited for her, yet so sad to know it will not be the same after she goes to college. She won’t be here in our home all the time. I can’t go up to her room and check on her. It won’t be the 5 of us here. I have to trust that all the training and teaching we’ve done will be sufficient for her. I have to practice faith and trust Heavenly Father will protect her…that she will go to Him when she needs help.
Well, I think that’s enough for now. Time to get back to work. It pains me I’m posting this without a photo. 
Life is a blessing…through it all,
I pray that even in the busyness of this week that you can savor every moment! Take it all in and enjoy!!!
Your Mom is right you have to take time for YOU, even when life is crazy busy. HA! In church yesterday we had Jill Savage (she’s apart of Hearts at Home) speak via video. She lives in my town and did a Mother’s day message for our church. Anyway, she talked about 10 things a mother should always do in life. The very first one she mentioned was to take care of yourself and to step away and do something for yourself. It’s so easy to say it, but to actually take the time to do it is tough at times.
I’ll be praying for you too through this time of transition in your life as well as your family. You’ve trained up your daughter to be a Godly woman and I have no doubt she’ll succeed. Sure she’ll go away and do some growing up on her own, but she has a solid foundation of faith, grace, and love! Have a great rest of your week. Love following along with you on Instagram
Hugs xxx
Andrea
Shan, I have no doubt that our Granddaughter will do well in life and meet any challenge with the strength and courage that you have modeled for her through the years. She couldn’t have had a better foundation for going on to the next phase of her life. I pray that you can let go and let God watch over her and guide her when you are not there. I just hope that you will be able to enjoy her excitement and the excitement of all of your family as we go through this wonderful time together. We never stop growing, and now is another time for you and J to stretch and grow as K does the same thing. It is not a sad occasion, but a beautiful occasion and when you think about it, you wouldn’t want it to be any other way. The only thing that matters is all of us being together. All the little things will take care of themselves and we can all pitch in to help when needed. Everything does not have to be done perfectly. I don’t want you to be so stressed out that you can’t enjoy having your family around you. You have a wonderful trip to look forward to also. Yes, your family composition on an every day basis will change and continue to change until all 3 of your children are out of the home. I think that having them be strong and independent is something you have helped raise them to become. This was always my goal for my children. Now your role is to let them come into their own persons, knowing that they will incorporate all the teachings of the Church and you and J. I do not say that this is an easy process by any means. I still remember the day you moved out on your own at 18 to live in an apartment by yourself. It makes me shudder to remember this but it was something you wanted to do from the time you were young. Can you imagine how hard that was to be a part of as a parent? Yet, you had to find out on your own how to set goals, attain them or not, and make new goals. Parting with each of my children was not an easy process but we all survived. It takes a lot of prayer, faith, and love to allow this process to unfold, for the benefit of everyone. Just think, now we all have a new vacation destination, Idaho. I can’t wait to go see her and see where she is going to school. I would imagine that she has some fears too, so don’t forget about that. She may need some reassurance that she has what it takes to make good decisions and negotiate life as we all have to do. I apologize for this long comment and if you don’t want to keep it posted, I will understand. I love you and I am so very proud of you as the very strong, loving person that you are. Let me know when I can help in any way. Love, Mom
Dear Shan,
I stumbled across your blog via pinterest. I must confess, I looked at your laundry room and wished I had the resources to have such a setup! As I explored the other areas and read one of your most recent posts, I sensed something still longed for. It reminded me that if I had a lovely laundry room instead of the tiny space which serves as a pantry and my husband’s office office as well :p , there would still be a space in my heart fillable only by the Lord.
Praying today that you feel His love and that space in your heart is truly full of JOY! …the kind only Jesus brings.
Blessings,
Jen