Monday, August 10, 2009

A Sunday Thought on a Monday Evening

I found myself sitting several seats down from my beloved during our Sunday service this week. I almost always sit by him, but for some reason we got mixed up and several children ended up between us. After the last song was finished, we sat down waiting to hear the the Word for the day. I was sitting still when I realized that an arm was quietly wrapped around my shoulders and pulled me closely to his side. It was a familiar feel, but it didn't come from the strong arms that always wraps me up during Sunday service. I tilted my head up and looked into the face of my first born. He glanced down and smiled then squeezed my shoulders. He kept his arm around me until it was time for him to leave. As I listened to the sermon, I was rewarded with the smiles of a young toddler in front of us. I watched as his daddy held him lovingly and sang the words of the song into his older son's ear. I remembered those days, and they didn't seem that long ago. Now, my little man was holding me and reminding me of his love. I miss the days of holding little ones in church, but I wouldn't trade them for the days that I have now when older boys hold me. Time is never still. It is always making its mark in our lives or on our faces; changing us daily when we are not even paying attention to the fact that it is there. It changes our babies from little bundles of joy to large muscular boys. It scratches lines in our faces that were not there before, and turns our hands into that of our mother's or father's while we are busy with the cares of the world. I am not sad that my little man isn't so little anymore. On the contrary, I am enjoying watching him grow into a man much like his own daddy. I smile when I think of the days when our children were all little, but I also look forward to the days that they too will produce little bundles of joy for us all to enjoy. Until then, I will continue to enjoy each and every stage of life that we are experiencing. I spent too much of my life looking forward to the next step instead of enjoying the day that was before me. I have made enough trips around the sun to know that time goes by quickly, and I don't want to waste another minute looking to the next thing. I live my life purposefully to enjoy the journey. How about you?

grace and peace,
julie

9 comments:

Unknown said...

so beautiful!!!just awesome!

bsadams said...

your post melted my heart, sounds like you have awesome kids!! it's amazing to watch kids grow and change, I wouldn't trade it for the world,

Marci said...

What a blessing!!!

Teri said...

What a tear filled, beautifully written thought. mmm....such special moments.

Carmen S. said...

I teared up too:) When my son was young, I used to worry about the growing up and changing, worried I wouldn't have my "little boy" anymore, but now, he is 17 and I treasure every day, every moment just the same, and as you do, looking forward to some grandbabies some day:)

Juanita said...

Julie,
I stumbled upon your blog through Carmens blog and thoroughly enjoyed your post.What a blessing it is to see the little boy turn into a young man right before your eyes.You are raising him for the Lord and it sounds like you are doing a wonderful job.
I seen that you live in East Tenn. and wanted to know where. We went to a Jubilee this past weekend and had several preachers that was from there.I live in Pickens county S.C. near Greenville.Well, I hope you have a blessed day!
Juanita

Driving three Prince Girls said...

I have been blessed with three beautiful daughters and today you made me realize I would of loved a son as well.....

Dreamer said...

Very well written.

TnFullQuiver said...

Kay,
Thanks!

Marci,
these children are blessings indeed!

Teri,
Thanks for the kind words!

Carmen,
There is something very special about each and every stage of life. I am glad you too are enjoying your teenager.

Juanita,

We live close to Knoxville. Where were you in Tennessee? We have only driven through South Carolina a couple of times, but I liked the part I saw.

Driving 3 Prince Girls,
I do love my sons, and I was blessed to get one daughter added to the mix. I know my daughter count will grow when my boys get married. I tell my daughter all the time to wait until her brothers get married and then she can finally have her sister!

Dreamer,
Thank you.

grace and peace,
julie