Have you ever heard someone say, “I can’t wait until…” Usually, that’s followed by something like, “… our beach vacation!” or “… the kids go to bed.” And those are both GREAT things to be classically impatient about. In fact, they’re both super-awesome and I wouldn’t begrudge anyone for wishing the time to fly by so they can put their toes in the ocean or put away a few cookies. Alone. On the sofa.
This isn’t the kind of impatience that hurts us. It doesn’t rob us of an experience or wish away a memory – it’s anticipatory. We’re still living our lives and making memories or in-the-moment while we’re waiting to get to build that sand castle.
This gentle warning is to all of you in those tough seasons.
“I can’t wait until she sleeps through the night.”
“I can’t wait until my little ones aren’t sick ALL OF THE TIME.”
“I can’t wait until he can just TELL me what he WANTS!”
“I can’t wait until pumping/breastfeeding is over.”
OF COURSE life will be easier once she sleeps, the doctor visits are down to a minimum check-up, he can talk and no one is connected to your boob(s). But don’t wish that precious time away. Especially with my first child, I said all of these things – so many times. I often got so caught-up in the difficulty of the season I was in, that that’s all I can remember. I often heard other parents – with older children – crack a smile (yes, I could HEAR them smiling) and snap their fingers to demonstrate how fast that time goes by. I didn’t believe them and would then mumble inappropriate things under my breath.
But you’ll believe ME, won’t you? Someday, the troubles of this day will yield to different troubles. And oh, how you’ll long for those simpler times (when he couldn’t talk back to you). I’m not asking you to relish in the hardship; far from it. I’m just trying to remind you to live ALL of the moments, because all of those are continuously making you who you are – and they’re playing a part in shaping the people that your children are becoming.
I hope this catches you at the right time – but I’ll also completely understand if you can hear me smiling and snapping my fingers over here and just want me to SHUT IT. I can do that, too. I’ll be waiting quietly over here, with all of the ones that came before me – the ones that made it to the other side of my current issue. They cheer me on. I cheer you on.
I can’t wait until we’re all on the other side together.*
*Yes, sometimes I can be sappy. It’ll pass. SHUT IT.
