Caleb seemed to have regressed some. When he was first born, he loved to sleep on me. It took me at least a month to be able to learn how to sleep under him. For a few months, each of his naps would be taken in my arms. After a little while, I figured out that I could hold him in the crook of my right arm and hold a book open in my left. While it seemed frustrating at first (there are so many other things I could be doing!!!) I learned to appreciate the chance to slow down every few hours.
Then Caleb grew up and started napping in his crib- and I had all kinds of freedom. During naps, I could actually get stuff done around here! I loved that opportunity and embraced it eagerly.
Well... last week, Caleb decided he didn't want to be laid down for naps anymore. My arms are too comfy, I guess. So I would rock him to sleep, gingerly lay him down, he'd open his eyes wide and start screaming. I'd then pick him back up, rock him again, he'd sleep, lay down and scream again!!
Talk about major frustration. Because, while I was rocking him, I was creating a mental list of all the things I wanted/needed to do while he was sleeping. When he would wake up, I would cringe over the thought of all those things that "needed" to get done that he just messed up.
This is what Wednesday looked like. Thursday was better (on this front) but Friday, he did it all over again. This time, I altered my attitude, however. I remembered those days when Caleb was in the right arm and a book was in my left. I embraced the chance to slow down a bit and enjoy my son.
What circumstances or people are "messing up" your mental lists? Should we respond in anger? Or should we meet the changes with a happy heart?
I am convinced that the plans that the LORD has for our lives include such little, humble tasks as rocking a baby, stopping to talk with a chatty neighbor, and the like. Look for such opportunities, and the chance to be happy about them : )
Wow, I felt like you were describing me! My kiddo is a toddler, so she's already past the sit-in-the-lap stage, but I still cherish those naps since I know they won't last forever. I guess we just have to remember that this is a season that will gone very soon. Before long, our kids will be too big for our arms (or laps) and too independent (or cool) to sit with us. I have massive struggles the time thing as well, but I have to force myself to remember that she won't be this little and cuddly forever. : ( We have, have, have to try and enjoy this time as much as we possibly can.
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