Some days are silently life changing. I'm having another one of those silent, yet life-altering, fork-in-the-road sort of days. Never, does a scroll drop from heaven, written in flourishing, heavenly script, "Heads up! Things will never be the same again! This is a Very Important Moment!" Never do trumpets play...not even in your head.
You simply have to become wise enough to "number your days, so that you can apply your heart to wisdom", as the Psalm says. You must discern the moment.
Today, ever so quietly, our balding and cheerful postman delivered a large box.
Hannah's first choice of wedding gown. This one will be the first one she will ever try on. We hope it is "the one"; we'll see. It lies there, on her bed, waiting to change her whole life...and mine.
Today, ever so quietly, I have taken down the Christmas decorations. For the very first time ever, Hannah's go into a separate box, a simple box, nothing fancy, lovingly tied up by yours truly with plaid Christmas ribbon. Those trinkets will hang on her tree, next Christmas, in her first apartment, with her new husband. This was accomplished silently, no words from me, alone in my livingroom, with soft jazz music playing in the background, while I drank a Slimfast milkshake - I'm not dieting, but rather just needed quick nourishment that I didn't have to prepare first. Quiet activity. Life changing, nonetheless.
Today, ever so quietly, I walked into my bedroom, carrying a load of laundry, and caught my son making copies of his transcripts, SAT scores, and immunization records. I had no idea. With no prodding, no hinting, no cajoling, he is preparing for his future. He is seizing the day, having prayed for the mind of God. Quietly, with no input from his parents, no manipulation from mom; with no gabbing or fanfare or an ounce of insecurity on his part....confidently and almost noiselessly, he took yet another step towards becoming a man. I wasn't expecting it. Life changing stuff, it is.
There was a time, in my young motherhood, when I would have grabbed up a telephone and spoiled the silence. I would have vented these emotions. I would have been far too overwhelmed, even wonderfully and positively overwhelmed, with so many milestones in a day. Now, in the twilight of my mothering years, I have learned to value the quiet, transforming moment, and to meet that moment, and honor it with a quiet heart of my own.
And tomorrow is another day. No telling what it will hold.
"In quietness and confidence shall be my strength...."
9 comments:
Having a "Selah" moment after reading your post dear friend! Wow! What a day indeed. I pray that I will be able to respond with the same type of grace and peace of mind and heart when I reach this point in my own motherhood.
Can't wait to see sweet Hannah's wedding dress! : ) How exciting that it has already been chosen and has arrived!
::happy sigh::
Such happy times are these.... : )
Love you dearly,
Wendy
Christine has been through this with 3 daughters and I'm tagging on behind with Ben.
When I was listening to Mark Stibbe on Noah something of the same finality really hit me when he was describing the shutting of the Ark doors....not related to you ofcourse. But truly every day is not the same. And there are days which change everything. When everything changes. Another thing really hit me once again ...for years we have toddled along in charismatic churches at one level. We assume that things will continue much the same. Just as Southern Baptists thought that things would continue just the same. In 1966, they and others at Lausanne projected forward that because of higher criticism and many other factors...there would be hardly any church left by 1990.
And then the Southern Baptists went back to their churches and continued much the same as they always did.
But things did change. Suddenly. A whole generation were suddenly...and it was sudden...born again in the level of baptism in the Spirit. Things were never like the 60s again.
And in the same way another step change is to occur. In a way, Florida was I believe the advert.The cinema trailer. (Some scream back sarcastically...what an advert!!!! But I just answer...my friends were there. They know of what they speak)
Sheila, I sure enjoy your blog. You have such a way with words...and they speak to me. This one especially. I am so glad to be getting Hannah for a daughter-in-law and so, so thankful God has chosen to let my son's second family be with such wonderful people.
Beverly Mc
Dear Beverly,
You've raised up a fine man of God. I'm excited to see all the things God has in store for them both.
I've never done this "wedding thing" before, and my personality has changed, over the years, to be a "relaxed planner". (I haven't always been, but circumstances have conspired to make me a little wiser in my old age!)
So I have not even shopped for a "Mother of the Bride" dress, and have no idea what I'll wear. (Some magazine articles say I should be getting this dress, and letting you know its style, color, etc. so you can then purchase your dress....)
The whole idea of "my dress" just doesn't consume me. It barely interests me, to be honest. I'll wear what I wear. Hannah and Justin are the focus. But I do promise, as soon as I get this "Dress with a capital D", I'll let you know.
Otherwise, I am letting Hannah plan her big day. I am available should she have a question or need anything whatsoever, but I am SO not the "take over" type. I'll enjoy watching her plan it out.
Thank you for the blog comment! I'm so glad you stopped by!
I agree with you. It is their day and I am fine to just sit back and enjoy their excitement. It is exciting to see God work and watch Him bless them!
Dear Beverly,
Thank you for understanding! So you are also a "relaxed planner"? Hannah and Justin should be thrilled...those two are blessed to have us - HA HA!
Oh I am most definitely a very relaxed planner. I am excited to hear all the details but perfectly happy to sit back and enjoy it all. And yes, they are definitely blessed!
I am enjoying eavesdropping on the conversation of two mothers who love their children - and who have the wisdom to adjust to how that mothering continues, but changes. It sounds as though Hannah and Justin will have both sides supporting, loving, helping. What a gift to them!
Donna Jean, you are one who has been there! I vividly remember when your Bethany got married - it seemed, at the time, that any weddings in our home would be light years away. And now, here we are!
I am grateful for your words of encouragement. You have always been so gracious to me - just a DEAR, dear friend.
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