Well, dear readers, the time is drawing very close for this baby girl to arrive … thus, it’s also time for me to take a step back, close the computer for a bit, and focus on enjoying and surviving the intense, beautiful time that follows the arrival of a new baby.
I’ve written before about my struggle with accepting limitations, and a part of me senses those same old feelings creeping up now.
I want to be super woman: I want to keep writing every week, keep the household running, keep homemade meals on the table, keep my home clean, etc. etc. But after two experiences of attempting such an endeavor, I’m choosing to be wise and learn from the past … I simply can’t!
And that is perfectly fine.
I have so enjoyed this season of writing over the past year. It has been a short but fantastic season and time with the Lord—in the midst of the chaos of raising Irish twins, He provided time each week to meet with Him and organize a few mostly-coherent thoughts. It has been a stream of refreshment in the midst of the sometimes-parched land of mothering young children.
And now I have a little perspective—now I know the time for regular writing will come again. Schedules will eventually even out and align, a new routine will eventually be found, my brain cells will eventually recover from hormones and insomnia and sheer exhaustion …
But I’ve also learned that the tiny, precious cause of such hormones and insomnia and sheer exhaustion will pass as well—quickly, far too quickly, really.
And so I want to soak up every minute with this new baby—every minute of the thrilling, exhausting ride. I want to clear my plate and focus on my babies, my gracious and selfless family who will be here helping us stay sane, and whatever lessons the Lord has to teach me in this third round of new motherhood.
I have poured out, and now is a time for God to pour back in. I have spoken, and now is a time to listen.
Sometimes, we must put one dream on hold to attend to and fully enjoy another … writing will always be a dream and always be a part of my life. Yet these babies are also my dream come true—God’s promises fulfilled, in the flesh, in my weary arms and bursting heart. I recently saw a quote that read:
Don’t forget the days you prayed for the things you have now.
Such true and poignant words. Such a necessary reminder, as we each carry around in us remnants of our Israelite spiritual ancestors. We have inherited their restless, desert-wandering tendencies that sometimes render us seemingly incapable of remembering God’s provision and deliverance.
I don’t know about you, but I long to learn from their example. I long to have a thankful heart, and one with a sharp memory that will recall all of God’s promises fulfilled, even when my fallen self tends to forget.
So as I press “pause” on the blog, I am filled with a peace and steadiness, because I know the words of Psalm 138:8 are true:
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of Your hands (NIV).
This promise is true for you too, sweet reader—is there something in your life today to which you’re holding on with an iron grip?
Are you afraid to lay down a dream today? For a husband, a child, a calling, restored health, healed relationships, relief from seemingly unbearable circumstances?
Let me encourage you to lay it down—let go of that dream and take hold of your Savior’s Hand instead. He will hold your dreams. He will establish your ways.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite verses from the Psalms, one that I pray over this dream of writing … and I pray it speaks to your heart today and becomes a promise to which you too might hold:
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the works of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17 NIV).
I can’t thank you each enough for reading, commenting, and encouraging me over this past year as I’ve poured out my heart on the pages of this blog. Lord willing, “I’ll be back” as the good ‘ol movie quote goes …
But until then, grace and peace be with you, dear reader … we’ll chat in this space once again, one day.
In the meantime, be blessed!
Much love,
So happy for you! I think it is awesome to lay it down, all of it, and focus on being filled-with God, your children, and your family. Who knows? You may find a lot of material to write and when you are ready, you can post daily for months! Would love to hear when your precious daughter makes her debut. Blessings to you and your sweet family.
Thank you, sweet Sista!! And yes, I’m sure there will be LOTS of lessons to learn as we navigate this new life change, and LOTS of refining for this mama to go through ;-). A painful but necessary process for sure. I will keep you updated on her arrival, probably through FB or IG! Blessings!
Mere, such a sweet outpouring of your heartfelt words. How wise you are to savor every moment of this season and remember the faithfulness that God has shown you in the past and anticipate the blessings waiting for you. Love you much. Charlene
Thank you so much!! We all love you and look forward to sending you an update, hopefully soon!! 🙂
I know it’s hard to step aside. In these times of reconnecting with the family, He will reconnect and awaken your soul.
So excited to hear about your new little ones arrival!
Julie
Thank you so much, I appreciate the encouragement so much! Looking forward to taking a break and just soaking up all the wise words from my writer friends like you!! 🙂
Blessings to you, Meredith, as you add to your precious family! You are in my prayers. I have enjoyed reading these very insightful and straightforward blog posts. You are such a talented writer and, when the season is right, you will once again pick up “pen” and bless others with your skill.
Sherryl, thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement!! It means a lot. I’m sure mom will keep you updated on baby girl’s progress :-). Blessings to you and your sweet family as well!