It’s that time of the week again. Time to team up with my tribe as we write together for five minutes (just five minutes) and hit “publish” without over editing or over thinking. If you want to play along, you can find all the details here. And now, let’s write!
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activitiy under heaven.” Ecc. 3:1
She tries to hold my hand, and I tell her she doesn’t have to. Yes, we’re in an amusement park with thousands of other people and yes, she’s a bit on the small side, but it’s hot outside, really hot. Both our hands are sweaty and gross, and sometimes Moms are just all touched out. So I let go of her hand and we keep walking toward the next big roller coaster.
But 30 seconds later her hand is reaching for mine again, and I tell her it’s OK, you don’t have to hold my hand. You’re a big girl now and I know you won’t get lost. Her hand drops and then it’s back again a few seconds later. Finally my “big” 10 year old girl says, “But I want to hold your hand. I like being close to you.”
When my kids were babies I was constantly reading up on the next stage of their lives. Part of it was curiosity, part of it was wanting to know what to expect, and if I’m honest, part of it was anticipation. I wanted to get on to the next thing. Learning to sit up? Check. What’s next? Maybe I can give her a head start. (and the Mama competition thing deserves a post of its very own)
But in my eagerness to move things along, I didn’t always fully appreciate the season they were in, and I didn’t always give them time to finish one stage before hurrying into a new one.
Lots of people write about enjoying your children where they are and slowing down to smell the roses, and those are easy words to write but they can be hard words to live out. In a world that seems to be stuck on fast forward, where precociousness and speed are applauded, it goes against the flow to encourage your 10-year-old girls to play with dolls or watch Sofia the First (mine also likes Max and Ruby) or wear modest age-appropriate clothing. Or maybe even hold your hand in public.
I don’t want this stage to end, and I especially don’t want it to end prematurely just because I’m in a hurry. I hope she continues to want to hold my hand in public, even when it’s not comfortable for me because of the heat or whatever. It’s worth the discomfort to know that she wants to be close to me.
onerebelheart.wordpress.com 
Well said, Kim. I can relate so well and our kids are long grown. I’m enjoying the different takes on this particular FMF prompt.
I have one who is grown, married, and raising a daughter of her own, too. I learned many lessons in raising her that have changed the way I raise her two younger sisters. It always interests me to see how people interpret the prompt word!
Ah, my girl is 11 and I can so relate to this! She goes to middle school in the fall and I want to just savor the moments. I have a picture on instagram right now- a neighbor was getting rid of a desk that would fit perfectly into her room. So we moved out her Barbie house and moved the desk in. The next morning, I went into her room and all of her doll furniture was set up on her desk!!! It makes me laugh and I love this time- watching her grow, but not too fast!
Thanks for a sweet post and good reminder!!!
I’m so thankful that my 13 year old still wants to “play” and doesn’t seem to be interested in growing up too fast. There is plenty of time in the future for boys and makeup!
It is interesting seeing all the different impressions and reflections on this one word. Just shows how we all think and act and react differently. Different ages, different times in life, different circumstances…and it takes all to make the world work. The same as the saying Volunteers make the world go round.
A lovely impression of a dear daughter growing and being allowed to grow at her own speed.
I feel the same now with our grandchildren…they are oh so precious from babe to teens. Time moves too fast. Treasure whilst we can I say 🙂
Alexa from Sydney, Australia
http://www.Alexa-asimplelife.com
Thanks for visiting Kim
Our differences truly make the world go round. It’s especially poignant to me because she is my last, my “baby”. Thanks for stopping by!
So true. One of the biggest parenting lessons I’ve learned is to enjoy the moment without so much nostalgia that I lost the anticipation of what’s coming next and seeing my kids grow and become!
lovely post!
Such a tricky balance trying to stay in the moment! Thanks for stopping by!
“But in my eagerness to move things along, I didn’t always fully appreciate the season they were in, and I didn’t always give them time to finish one stage before hurrying into a new one.”
After hearing your heart even more last night, I join hands with you in stopping to be in the moment. This time goes so fast! With my oldest going to high school next year, I grab hands with her every chance I can!
Beautiful reminder!
I touch my growing-up girls every chance I get because all too soon they will be grown and gone from our home. I even hold hands with my 13 year old when she lets me. By the way, “Facing the Giants” came along for us at a critical juncture, and God really used it to speak to my husband and me about our future. The part about infertility was such a reminder to us of how big God is, because by the time we watched it our miracle was six years old. I don’t think I could have watched it when I was in the midst of our waiting. Somebody would have had to mop me up out of the floor. 🙂
Oh Kim, it does go by so fast, so enjoy every minute! I also wanted to see my kids move to the next step too…it’s fun and exciting. But you are finding the real secret is to anticipate what’s next without rushing what’s now. Enjoy!!
Trying very hard to walk that tightrope and keep them close while allowing them to stretch their wings. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, friend!