something for me to think about
This past week we’ve been up in Washington visiting the Summers. And what a wonderful week it was, something that we both needed. Brad got the break that he has deserved for so long and I had the time to reflect on the things that are absolutely essential in my life. I was without my computer and all my scrap booking supplies, along without any of my craft supplies. But then for a few days I was without any computer at all, which meant NO internet. We were on the very tippy-tip of said green state, in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception either! And one of those days we were out on in the middle of the ocean! More about that later.But basically, here I was, with “nothing” to do but sit back, enjoying the coastline view and each other’s company. Especially the company of my William. I really feel like this past week I had the opportunity to fall back in love with my son. Don’t get me wrong, there’s never been a moment of these past 22 months and five days that I have NOT loved my child. But my actions may paint a different picture. How many times have I let the TV baby-sit Will whilst I work upstairs on the puter, or do the dishes, etc. Too many that I’m ashamed to admit. Well no more!
A couple of weeks ago I worked on the page above. It took FOREVER and I am proud of how it turned out. However, it came at a great price. Once again, I spent hours on the computer at the expense of spending time with my child. What makes it worse is that the page was about how lucky I felt to be a mom! And there I was working on it and thinking about how lucky I really am, how much I love my calling as a mother and how much I adore my son. Really truly. And all this scrappy-pondering multi-tasking is coming to you straight from the finger tips of a huge-fat hypocrite.
What’s more, last week the lovely Lacey hosted another thought provoking “pond” that I’d like to reflect upon a wee bit more. I want to come up with a schedule and to figure out where my priorities lie. Basically, a reevaluation and a lifestyle overhaul is in order!
*full credits can be seen here
B, I'm glad to hear from you again. And I'm proud of you for asking yourself this hard question. We all need to do this every once in a while, especially when things feel a little off balance for us. So, you know how I feel about this per our previous conversation, so I'll stop now. (How timely the "pond" question! You're getting it from all directions.) But, just know that I think you're great....a real one of a kind! :)
ReplyDeleteGood evaluation, honey! You never regret time spent with your child . . .trust me!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you back! It sounds like it was a very nice and needed break - I could use one of those. Good luck with the overhaul!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that the question was a positive one for you as well...I was starting to worry that people thought it was a little too invasive.... I agree, it is so so so easy to get caught up in the world around us and sometimes overlook the small precious moments that seem to fly by. Oh how lucky we are that our Father in Heaven is so patient. Thank you for sharing your experience, you have truly inspired me.
ReplyDeletehey beth - sounds like you had a nice break - and i think the time with children question is one we all ask ourselves.
ReplyDeleteVacations are great for relaxing and evaluating. Sounds like you will make a few changes with your time. I've spent 28 mothering years doing the same thing. I know it sounds far far away, but your kids do grow up fast and leave. Sniff Sniff. Can you tell I have a child graduating from High School tomorrow. Sniff Sniff.
ReplyDeleteI talked to your mom and I am so excited because we are going to try and meet this weekend. FUN!
Beth, between you and Lacey I have been doing a lot reevaluating... thanks for sharing your thoughts and helping us all to "ponder" on this one a little more!
ReplyDeleteI"m glad you guys had so much fun!! I really miss the NW. I'm glad you had time to think and ponder. It's always nice to take the time to reflect on our lives. Sometimes it's hard to make time for ourselves and raise our kids at the same time. Enjoy all the little moments with Will. I know you are. You won't have any regrets. I've done the same pondering you've done. There's times I have felt so bad for letting the "tv watch Bryce" while I scrapbooked or did something too. It's nice to know that we're not the only ones who have done this. I know you're a great Mother who spends a lot of quality time w/ her son!
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