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We are about a quarter of the way through the year 2010. It seems that every year comes and goes a little faster for me. When I was younger, all I could think about was the next milestone. Getting my driver’s license, turning 18 and moving out, then turning 21, then getting married and having children and to some extent the list continues to go on-but I don’t sit in anticipation of the next milestone. Partly because the next big event at our house will be our oldest daughter getting her driver’s permit next week. I am ready to have help with driving the children when their dad is away, but I’m not ready for added insurance, worry and arguments over taking the car.
What are some events that you are marking your life with? Is it the beginning or end of a deployment? I seem to mark the beginning and end of deployment with different events in our life.
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Together Again
by Shannon Burrous, posted April 2010
Shannon Burrous
Senior Contributor
www.frazledmwcn.com
faith@armywifemagazine.com
FAITH & VALUES
I also feel like I am holding my breath while waiting for a deployment to start and the entire time we are going through it; and I can finally exhale when my husband returns.
I have discovered that while I am waiting for the next special event to happen, I am missing out on many blessings. My husband just returned home and before I know it, we will be on the next deployment. Before my husband arrived home I made the decision that no matter what happens, we are making memories as a family. The children and I will need those memories to carry on our homefront duties while my husband is away. He will need them to keep him going when he has down time between missions. We are family, hear us roar!
Our family mission for the next few months is to make memories as a family. That is a great mission to have. But one thing I neglected to plan in was all the simple silly moments that just happen. Really, we can’t plan those. Those moments when I have a great big belly laugh with tears running down my cheek usually happen when I least expect it.
I suspect that many of you, just like I, get wrapped up in planning and preparing and making sure our kids bond with their dad that we forget to enjoy the moment. I forgot what it felt like to have my husband come up behind me and hug me while I am cooking. I forgot what I he smells like and that I really enjoy just sitting here doing nothing with him. Sometimes I overlooked the importance of those simple things.
Those simple things that I forget to allow time for are miracles. They are moments that make my heart smile and in that moment, nothing else matters. When I hear the word blessing, I tend to think of big things that the Lord has done in my life or the lives of others. Healing when it didn’t seem possible, money to help a financial situation, providing a child to a family that didn’t think they could have children. Don’t rule out the simple everyday moments as a blessing. The Lord knows your every need and desire. He knows your hurt and frustration. He also knows the things that will bring you great joy.
Everyone finds joy in different things. My boys love to camp. NOT ME! My idea of camping is a hotel without cable. BUT, I go camping on occasion because I love to see the adventure in their eyes. That makes my heart smile. My husband loves cars. I only notice when they aren’t running. I like to help others. I feel at my best when I am helping a friend or involved in an activity that affect people around me. My husband sees that as over-scheduling myself.
Life is all about give and take. What you put in isn’t always what you get out. Sometimes, it is the effort that counts. Along the way, allow yourself to see the silly moments, laugh like no one is looking and let your heart smile.
Archives: Faith & Values
