Little Cyclones

Almost every night, when I shut the door to Reed's room (after shutting the girls' door with Saige still talking), I walk into the living room and sigh as loud as I possibly can and flop down on the couch. And it is one of the best feelings after a very long day. All I want to do at that point is absolutely nothing. I get to sit there and not feel guilty about it. For me this is somewhat of a Sabbath rest. I have a difficult time resting without feeling like I need to be doing something else (the laundry, the dishes, etc). But every night, I completely enjoy my guilt-free rest. I sit with Patrick and we talk about the day and then usually watch one of the shows we've DVR'd or if I am by myself, I catch up on Downton Abbey.
Recently, I have been reminded graciously, by people that have children out of the house, that our kids are so busy and that they can hardly remember what that was like to have little ones. And in those moments, I feet justified by my weariness and am also humbled by the very fact that it goes by so fast. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that the constant chaos and busyness that children bring is not going to be my forever normal. And more importantly, I don't need to feel guilty for being so exhausted and spent at the end of the day. Check out this quote from C.S. Lewis in a letter he once wrote:

"My brother and I have just had the experience of an American lady to stay with us accompanied by her two sons, aged 9 1/2 and 8. Whew! Lovely creatures — couldn’t meet nicer children — but the pace! I realize I have never respected young married people enough and never dreamed of the Sabbath calm which descends on the house when the little cyclones have gone to bed and all the grown-ups fling themselves into chairs and the silence of exhaustion." Read others ones here.

At the same time, it's nice to be reminded that these days will come to an end, and I need to remember to cherish them now.  These pictures remind me of just how much I need to relish these moments. Because I can remember them like it was yesterday...