Earlier I called a childhood friend of mine. We grew up together in a small Texas town of less than 4,000 people, and today that small town still has about the same amount of people. Heck, probably the same people. I needed a familiar voice. Suburbia and growth can be exciting (and most days I probably wouldn't trade the convenience of having a Target just 10 minutes away), but sometimes I just miss smallness and sameness. She and I hadn't talked extensively for a while but I think that's the blessing of friends, you can pick right back up where you left of. She is a couple years ahead of me in mommyland and spoke several truths to me that I wanted to pass along. "Babies don't stay babies for long." Treasure this season for what it is. I was thinking this morning of J's first birthday coming up this summer and thought, "It isn't fair. We only get 17 more of these." I'm sure somewhere around year 15 or 16 I might be singing a different tune. Ha! "There is nothing more important than what you're doing right now." Put value where you say there is value. If mostly all I have to spend now is time, then I need to spend it where I have placed value. "Jobs will still be there when your kids get older." It's a worthy calling to prioritize the care of your children and home over other demands. Learning where to give "yes" and where to give "no" is a process and sometimes trial and error. "No one is always happy." Don't get caught up in comparing your day, your marriage, or your free time to your 469 friends' social highlight reel. "If it is not fueling contentment, then it's fueling your discontent." I have to limit the amount of time I give our small community's Facebook page. It's more often people complaining than people actually spreading helpful news. "It's OK that this is an adjustment." Something my mom said to me a few months ago was along the lines of You won't regret choosing to be home, but you might regret choosing not to be. While most days I know and feel the gravity of the goodness of this sacrifice, some moments I wish I was doing more. Other times I am so glad to be in PJ's at 8:30 a.m. making homemade muffins, grocery shopping in the middle of the day, or reading a book while J takes his 30-minute nap. Get a friend and speak truth to her. Just as you need encouragement, there's another mom out there, next door, down the office hallway, or across the sanctuary that needs encouragement too. Hit me up for Chick-fil-A or Sonic sometime - I've got gift cards.
1 Comment
Amy Burgess
2/20/2016 08:13:28 am
Kennan, it is refreshing to see what a well-rounded and mature person you are and that you wish to help others be encouraged. I always enjoy your writing style and come away with helpful information.
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PodcastListen to devotionals shared at FBCSA MOPS on Kennan's Podbean Podcast channel here.
Marken Media Co.Marcus & Kennan own Marken Media Co. serving the multimedia needs of small businesses. Known by the #devinecolorwall, we strive to foster a space for the community to CREATE • COLLABORATE • CELEBRATE.
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KennanI'm a lover of words. Sometimes I edit, cook, craft, or sing. I'm also a wife and mom. Categories
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