Tuesday, November 22, 2016

These Three


We went to Florida recently to celebrate David's mom getting married. It was a beautiful afternoon outside and our Aunt Gayle did a lovely job of hosting and planning all of the details.

This Fall has been full and the things coming our way have been big. On the topic of big, look at my children in the above photo. Oh.my. This is hurting my heart a little bit as they are not little anymore. Emily wears shoes bigger than mine and will pass me up in height this next year. And there is a little bit of sorrow that we don't just sit and read picture books and color together anymore.



All the moms who went before me and said to treasure those days were right, they are short even though they feel long at the time. This season is bringing new challenges with it and I'm kind of still stuck in the they are little state of heart and mind when I need to allow my heart and mind to expand and grow with theirs.

Over all of this though, it is true that they are lovely people to be with, they are fun to take places and it is bittersweet to watch them becoming more independent and forming their own thoughts and opinions.



These three souls. They are my biggest challenge, my greatest mission field and most beautiful accomplishment by God's grace.

As I typed the words, "these three" - I immediately thought of the mention of those words in 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."


 

I have three little pillows on our bed that have these words on them. As I'm noticing the maturing, the growing up - the not wanting to do cutesy little things as often anymore, my heart wavers between feeling sad and grieving the loss of little and yet marveling at the growing and becoming that is taking place before my eyes.

The greatest of these is love indeed - and I do love being mama to these three!





8 comments:

domenica.60 said...

Beautiful dresses and beautiful skirt for such a special day ... and beautiful striped tie !
Greetings,
Franca

Mom said...

Oh. my. word. - gorgeous photos! And indeed these three children are growing up. I remember when you and Carrie were nearing adulthood and the parenting challenges that came with that, I said something like "I've never been the parent of adults before - I'm figuring it out as I go along!" Your children are not nearly adults yet, but you'll figure out the parenting changes, too. And one of the wonderful things is that they will always need you - just in a different way than they have for these early years. Love, love, love all of you!!


peggy said...

Your children are so beautiful and the bride and groom look so happy. I wish them many blessings, and all of you.

Happy Husband said...

“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Charlotte Park Creative said...

I understand the bittersweet feeling of the children growing up. I am in a similar stage. No one wants to read picture books, play with dolls, or play at the playground anymore. I love the little years and am trying to navigate this next season well. I don't want to miss a moment. So now bedtime is getting later. Heart to heart chats start in the late hours. Rides are given to meet up with friends. Books are discussed that were read separately. The days truly are melting one into the next. Don't blink.

Suzy said...

you all look so beautiful! (handsome!) and oh, what a celebration!

do enjoy.EVERY.minute.

before you know it they will be driving and dating and talking about college.
*sigh*

I enjoyed my kids at every age... special blessings from God!

eanderso said...

Beautiful photos and sentiments. I can definitely relate to some of what you shared.

love you, carrie

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos!! Yes, indeed your children are growing up so fast, but you will "rise to he occasion", I am sure. They are precious at every age...and as your mom said, they will ALWAYS need you. Thanks for sharing. You all look gorgeous! I love you dearly, Grandma