Quiet Moments

The year after I have a baby is always really hard for me. My thyroid goes skeewampus and due to the effects of that mixed with the responsibilities of being a mother I struggle emotionally. Some weeks are harder than others and I celebrate the days when I feel good. I have found things that help, regular exercise being one of the best. But recently, in casual conversation, a friend gave me another tip that has added an extra measure of joy into each day. Due to recent changes and added responsibilities, she and her husband have been feeling extra stress and demands on their time. As we were talking about this, she mentioned to me how she just keeps feeling like the most important thing she can be doing is to play with her children every day. In the busy schedules of my life, so often that important "task" gets swept aside to "do later." After that conversation, I decided to do better and try to spend some one on one time with each child each day. Some days I do it. Hooray! Some days I don't get it "done." But, still, I am doing better. I have been amazed at how those quiet moments have cheered and uplifted me...especially on the harder days. In an effort to "fill the buckets" of my children, they have filled mine. Hearing Jacob's delightful giggle when I tickle him, seeing Brielle's triumph as she answers a hard Brainquest question, and witnessing Nathan's smile as we color side by side has filled me with peace and joy. I am grateful for these simple, tender moments in life. They really are what matter most. (I love this video as it captured this principle for me.)