Have you ever looked at your children and were overcome with both great joy and sadness? Maybe sadness isn’t the right word. But it’s almost like... like you miss them already. If that makes sense.
I was watching my boy the other day. Dancing to his favorite song, cracking himself up as he wiggled his booty in the air. I laughed with him, my cheeks sore as I beamed at his silly personality. Then in that same moment, there was a sense of mourning. At first I was confused by it. There was no need for those feelings. But as I thought a little more I realized why. That moment, like many others in his childhood, would soon be fleeting. And someday, that silly booty shaking little boy would be a teenager, a husband, a father.
These moments of daily, unexpected laughter would become days of phone conversations or watching my son’s life via some social media app. And yes, there will be many more memories to treasure between now and then, and that season will bring a joy all its own.
I know by now you’re probably thinking, “Wow Sam, back it up. He’s only 4!” But think about it! How many times have you cradled your babies in your arms as they drifted to sleep and wished that moment would remain forever?
But this isn’t meant to be some sad depressing post. But rather a reminder. Savor those moments friends. Trust me. TRUST ME. These days are LOOOONG. We’ve definitely been feeling it recently. But these years, they disappeared before my eyes. And document your days friends. The little moments that might not seem like much at the time. Document them. Write down the memories. Take allll the pictures.
This image right here? When he goes to college, you better believe I’ll sit in his room and weep over it for a while. But right now, I’m going to focus on that great great joy. I’ll tell the sadness of the future to leave me be and instead of wishing time would slow down, I’m going to pray that I’m able to remember every single one of these seemingly mundane moments.
So here’s your PSA for today. Hug your babies, document your days. Put down your phone and just watch them be little. I hope you feel great joy today.
