I came here for the very first time back in 2010. Dave and I had just celebrated our 2 year anniversary. We were in our early twenties, fresh-faced and fancy-free. Having just completed our first year of teaching we were ready for a break, and six long weeks of freedom stretched out before us. It's kind of hard to remember what life was like back then!
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| Same spot, six years earlier! |
It's sometimes easy to long for the simplicity of life back then... for the long lie-ins, the peace and quiet, the freedom and lack of responsibility. But do you know what? I wouldn't change things now for the world. Each little gift God has given us has stretched and challenged me, revealed things about me I never knew about myself (some of them, not so pleasant!) and given me new perspective and insight... I love these three little people with all my heart... their quirks and intricacies, their talents and struggles, their personalities and pitfalls.
Parenting has been the most wonderful adventure, but also the toughest challenge of my life so far. There's not a day goes by where I'm not worrying about one of them, or questioning my reactions and responses. Parenting is hard... Purposeful parenting even harder, and when I catch myself trying to prepare them for every eventuality, trying to cover every base, it's then that I'm so grateful that it's not me who decides their futures. That no amount of preparation, and no lack on my part will be the decisive factor in their... That is God's role! And oh! The pressure that relieves!
Parenting has been the most wonderful adventure, but also the toughest challenge of my life so far. There's not a day goes by where I'm not worrying about one of them, or questioning my reactions and responses. Parenting is hard... Purposeful parenting even harder, and when I catch myself trying to prepare them for every eventuality, trying to cover every base, it's then that I'm so grateful that it's not me who decides their futures. That no amount of preparation, and no lack on my part will be the decisive factor in their... That is God's role! And oh! The pressure that relieves!
I'm so grateful for the gift of our little brood, and honoured to be chosen to steward them through these little years. It's no small feat when you're knee deep in washing and trying to parent through the third tantrum of the day, but those moments are countered by the glorious golden moments too. It's then that I breath deep and savour it all up.
Me and Mine in August.
And just because we took a couple of extras this month too... and I kind of love them as well!
Ah that is great you've gone back to the same place - we have done the same this month. #MeandMineProject
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos by the fjord - what a gorgeous spot for a family photo and I love the one of you and Dave in your pre-parent days, reflecting on just how different it was back then. Parenting is an incredible challenge, but yes it is a wonderful adventure too. Trying to plan for every eventuality is exhausting - I definitely agree that realising it's not in your hands to do so relieves a huge amount of pressure. It's something that's definitely helped me in the toughest moments. #meandmineproject
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI did notice one possible similarity. Are you wearing the same trainers? If you are I'm impressed they lasted so long.
Oh what a difference six years makes! And what an incredible spot to have a a backdrop - I could sit all day and drink it in! I'm with you on parenting being the biggest and best challenge, there are days when it's wonderful and days when it's overwhelming and yay for a very solid rock to cling to all along!
ReplyDeleteAh what a lovely post. I love that you have gone back and can compare photos. Your photos are all really lovely. xx
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos and I loved seeing that one of you pre-children in the same place. I would love to go to Norway it looks utterly beautiful x
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