Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Joy in the Journey

How many times have we heard others encourage us throughout our lives to find joy in the journey? We are all witness to the fact that our stages of life come and go, sometimes more quickly than others. Admittedly, I've been one who has at times been anxious to get on to the next stage, wishing for time to hurry up a bit. Because of some experiences I've had lately, I am committed to have joy in the journey. At this season of my life with 4 children under 7 years life is busy. Not so much with the things that are pulling me away from home, but things that keep me in the home.

Many of you know of these things: the mountains of laundry, dirty dishes, the messy faces, the floors that need swept and mopped (again!), what's for dinner?, the homework, piano practice, dirty windows, bathrooms to clean...and then we have to find the time to study the scriptures and exercise!
It has occurred to me that sometimes I am home, but I'm not really home. Do I put off the pleas to "read me a book," "play with me," "help me"? Am I missing out on opportunities to teach and talk with my children? Do I let too many distractions and self-interests get in the way of my responsibilities I hold sacred? Yes, I have been there, done that.

BUT:
  1. 1 To every thing there is a aseason, and a btime to every purpose under the heaven:
AND:

David O. McKay
said; “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.”

The time is fleeting, but is not far spent. I wa
nt to live without regret. So for now, I will work on my talent of being a mother. I am going to have joy in MY journey by savoring the moments that won't last forever so that we can be together forever.
How are you finding joy in YOUR journey?

11 comments:

l.a.c. said...

i love this -- your words and quotes say it all! there is a season and a time for all things. this week i am reflecting on my journey to this point in my life and realizing that i have exactly what i have prayed and longed for! how do i show my gratitude? i am reading those books and playing those tea parties and spending time at the park. i want to amplify my calling of MOTHER.

Marilyn said...

I need to read this on a daily basis. I can relate to your words "I'm home, but I'm not really home." I get so wrapped up in things that need to get done that I forget to stop and really be there with my kids.

I find myself telling them "Not right now, maybe later." I need to stop and enjoy them right now, because the time is quickly vanishing and soon I will regret all of those "maybe laters."

To find joy in the journey I am going to work on not worrying about the things that don't really matter, and focus more on the most important things around me...my children and husband.

Alicia Leppert said...

I find myself doing this a lot, waiting "for life to get easier." My challenge in life right now is a four year old boy who refuses to play by himself and asks every five minutes, "Mommy, can you play with me?" I tell him "as soon as I..." or "after..." and keep putting it off til suddenly the day is over. And then I freak out when I think of the day he stops asking, and I want to cry. Thank you for this post to remind me to start saying, "Sure! Right now is perfect."

Megan said...

Thanks for the inspiration. It came at a good time.

Jan said...

Love it Natasha. It is true when said -Am I really at home. I loved the reflection of words that you gave and the feeling of the post. I think we can all strive to do a little better in the journey. It does fleet quickly and it saddens me so. I look forward to things ahead though. Grandkids and In-laws. Thanks for taking the time to ponder the importance of being a mother.

How was general conference? I want a full report... Did you get to stay alone? Or did you meet a new friend? Bye

Kori said...

I found your blog recently through another blog. I hope you don't mind. This post is something I have thought a lot about in the last few years. I read a great quote from President Hinckley, "Life should be enjoyed, not just endured." Sometimes we get so busy that we forget that. I know I do. I am trying hard to enjoy my journey as well. Thanks for the post. I am glad to know that I am not the only one who feels that way at times.

Megan said...

my kids are growing and changing daily, why then do the constants (laundry and dishes) always lead to put off the fleeting(my children)? thanks for the reminder, especially today. . .

Debie Spurgeon said...

Thanks for you inspiration on motherhood. I think you do an amazing job with your sweet family. I think the journey is so, so important because along the way we create memories. Often it's the little things that are remembered. I am trying to savor each day, thanks so much for this.

Natasha said...

Such wonderful comments you are all making.

rip said...

You have such a way of putting important things in perspective. I first read this on Tuesday, and since then, I have really been trying to pay attention to where I am putting my focus. Thank you for the reminder of where it needs to be!

Brenda said...

Thank you for making me think about my JOURNEY!