Orthodox Mom

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a lesson i learned from motherhood

Michelle Melania from over at Akathistos asked us all to join in and answer the question

What is one important lesson you have learned from motherhood?

I would have to say the most important lesson (and there are many) that I have learned is to cherish and live every moment for what they are. As a young girl I can remember people saying how quickly time goes and I would think "Are they crazy?" It seemed like it took forever to turn 13 then 16 then 18 then 21. Now I look back and I ask myself where the time went!

I look at my children now and Ace is turning 5 this fall and Lucky is going to be 1 this summer. I CANNOT believe that! It seems like just yesterday I was bringing them both home from the hospital. I feel like I missed out on so many things in my life already by being overly anxious for tomorrow. Those last few teenage years all the way through my first year as a new bride seems to have been lived in fast forward, they seem surreal to me.

It really hit me when I had Ace; this is it, I'm a mother and there's no turning back! I didn't realize prior to that how much I need my parents or that I would actually miss living at home with my little sister and brother. Though while I wish I could go back in time and live slower, taking in each precious moment, looking at people's faces and feelings more, listening to those boring lectures my parents gave (had I known I would've written each one down!), I promised to start enjoying each moment from now on for what they are. I won't wish to be in a different house, I won't wish for Ace to hurry up and be old enough for sports or school (though I am excited for that time), I won't wish Lucky to walk too quickly. I will enjoy each moment for what it truly is, a blessing. I remind myself of this during the moments I feel like I might seriously lose my mind and believe it or not it helps. It makes me find a smile in situations I may not have otherwise.

So I guess the bottom line is I've learned the hard way that no matter how tough or how bored I might get being at home all day (though trust me there's plenty to keep me busy), I will not wish these days away because I now know that I'll wish for them back. I will live each day for what they are-the days that make up the best years of my life.