I agree completely . . .

Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family, said, “I often think that a big part of wisdom is in one’s ability to glimpse the end while still at the beginning.” I have been thinking about that a lot in light of this timely comic strip sent to me by my mother-in-law. (Click on the image if you have difficulty reading it.)

It is so easy to get side-tracked (and discouraged) by the ins and outs of daily life – especially while raising a little two-year-old whipper-snapper. She knows how to push all of my buttons, and goodness, she does it very well. Even in the midst of discipline (which I did A LOT yesterday), even in the midst of her willful defiance & determination to convince me she’s the boss, I know this time is fleeting. In a blink of an eye, she will be begging to wear make-up, learning to drive, and yearning for independence.

I am thankful she still calls my name from her crib every morning and every nap. I am thankful she still needs me to wipe her bottom after going pee-pee. I am thankful she wants to sit in my lap while I read her stories in funny accents. I am thankful she asks me with those big brown eyes, “Mommy, will you play with me?” I am thankful she still wants to be rocked at night. We sang “Bye Baby Bunting” about twenty times last night and she loved being wrapped up in her blanket begging, “Sing it again!” I’m thankful that after I put her in her crib, she asks, “Will you rub my back?” And even after those painful moments of discipline when she’s finally calm, she generally wants to cuddle. I’ll tell her, “I love you sweet girl.” And she’ll often reply, “I love you, Mommy.” Talk about heart-melting.

She is the master of bear hugs, attackles and double kisses. And although I have felt like the last two months have been a battle of the wills, to say the very least, I know these days will vanish, and I’ll want them back as soon as they are gone. Grandma Rachel always tells me there is no rewind when you’re raising children. How about a pause button? I tear up just thinking about it.

So, I hope this comic strip will serve as a reminder that my time with precious Alexa Hope is but a vapor – difficult at times, but oh so swift.

May you cherish every moment with your little ones!

*** A great book concerning this topic is Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury. My sister gave this book to me the day Alexa Hope was born. It holds a special place in my heart.