Let’s Go.

August 12, 2013

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Today is bittersweet.

I’m excited for my new babies.

But, I’m sad to leave my own babies.

I can’t wait to see my sweet girls and precious boys.

But, I’ll miss my lazy hectic days of summer.

I’m thrilled to see my friends.

But, I’ll miss this stage of life that passed too quickly.

I’ve said it before. We’ve all said it. We will say it again: This summer has flown by. As summers always do, it comes to a close quicker than we imagine. The plans and projects we put on our list may or may not have been crossed off. The rooms and boxes to organize may still be sitting there. The clutter in the attic may still have dust because we didn’t quite have that yard sale.

But for us, and many others, this summer was full of celebrations…and a little heartache.

We  celebrated three marriages and welcomed a brand new bud for Cray into this world.

We sold our house twice but lost out both times.

We realized through our celebrations of marriage how much we missed our grandfathers that left us too quickly.

As I look back on this summer I realize how many big events we had. How many weddings, births, and sadly, deaths, we have all dealt with this year alone.

Through all of this, what memories do we leave with?

At one wedding, I heard a girl look at her mother and say, “We are just making a memory, Mom!”

What a good idea. What a novel idea.

On Facebook, someone else posted, “Making memories with Nana.”

What a sweet thought.

What if we took this sweet idea and ran with it?

This is nothing new. I am certainly not telling you anything you don’t already know. We have all talked about the simple life and what it means but simultaneously wanting to enjoy the moments we have. Understanding the stages and enjoying them to the fullest. Knowing what’s behind us but bursting with joy for the stages yet to come and the gifts right in front of us.

So many times this summer, I watched Kuy and Cray laugh and play with Poppy and Bobbi, Papa G and Kay Kay. Both boys laugh and play so hard, it’s hard to leave.

These are memories. These are the intangible gifts God gives us.

Just yesterday, at Kay Kay’s we walked outside and he said, “Moon” and pointed toward the sky. He turned around and said, “Right back” because he was going to get the moon.

These are memories. These are the moments that make life go too quickly.

In the same breath, we want it to slow down but as soon as this day gets started this week we will be wishing for Friday.

Let’s make a conscious effort together as this new school year begins to celebrate the little moments. Not just the weddings and birthdays but the laughter, the smiles, the sparkles in their eyes as their little faces light up. Let’s remember what brings them joy so we can emulate their innocence as we strive to learn the lessons more often than teach them.

Together we are making these memories that last a lifetime.

Memories with our friends.

Memories with our kids.

Memories with our kids that we didn’t birth.

Memories with our little moments that we hold on to so tightly.

What this year will hold for us no one can tell. But what it promises to bring is a blessing unending.

Being home for four months with my new baby was an amazing blessing for my entire family. We were relaxed; I cooked; it was okay if we were off schedule….My heart breaks to leave them and spend time without them. I want to be able to hold Cray when I want. I want to be able to chase Kuy around the house. Missing these moments is hard. It’s hard for every teacher. It’s hard for every parent. Knowing we pour so much energy into others yet when we get home, others expect so much of us, too. These faces are what we live for and wake up to see. These moments are what breathe life into the fiber of our beings. These blessings are what remind of us of the amazing miracles God so graciously pours out.

So, would I love to be home with my boys every day? Yes. But, do I love my job? Yes.

This day is bittersweet for me because I adore my babies that I birthed and will miss them with every ounce of my being.

But knowing, I gain 57 new children brightens my heart and adds a freshness to my day.

So as we begin this brand new school year, let’s promise to encourage each other when we grow weary, pray for each other when we become faint, and most importantly, make memories with each other to renew our strength so together we can be a small part of adding air under our babies’ tiny wings. No matter if our babies are students, elders, real babies, or customers. We each have that gift. We have that rare chance.

This is it. We are here. So, as Russ would say to his players before a game, “Let’s go.”