We are experiencing a lot of rain right now up our way, and the kids of course wanted to go jump in the puddles! As they were laughing and splashing in the water, I looked down and saw our reflections in the water… Their little images just a step ahead of mine. I wonder if they even realize my reflection has always been just one step away from theirs all these years. Ready to catch them if they fall, always watching whats ahead of them, so that they can live fully in the moment. My hand, always ready for them to grab if they need reassurance.
As I stood there and watched them singing and dancing, I wondered if they would remember this moment as vividly as I know I will. Will this moment make such an impression on their heart, that it will forever hold a piece of it, as it has mine. How many of these exact moments will be the memories that transform these little people into the adults they will one day become. I can only pray that when they look back they remember these precious times, and not the ones where mommy lost her patience or the times when I was too tired to play.
I hope that instead they remember all the hours of running around and playing super hero’s, or reading worn out books from us turning the very same pages time and time again while wrapped up in a warm blanket sitting in our favorite chair in the house. I hope they remember the hours of coloring and drawing and the endless amounts of baking, the bed time prayers that sometimes went on forever because they were so very thankful for every tiny little thing in life, like the Olaf underwear they recently got.
I cant help but to want them to remember mommy always being there to wipe away the tears, and giving the magic kiss that seemed to melt away all the pain. I pray that they will never forget the long walks in the woods, looking for the next adventure, and the beautiful summer days filled with swimming, ice cream, water gun wars and picnics in the park.
Because I know in my heart that one day, that’s all this will ever be… Memories.
That one day they are going to look up, and my reflection will no longer be there. They will be ready to go out in the world all on their own, and holding hands won’t be needed. My reflection instead will be carried in their heart, where it has slowly made its place after many years of constant protecting, and caring for them. And although they are likely not going to remember the many hours of singing them to sleep, or rubbing their backs when they were upset, and they will probably never look back and think about all those baths I gave, and each lunch I made…but I know that those memories whether they remember them or not have become my reflection in their hearts, making them feel loved and secure enough to go on to the next chapter in life… Without me standing one step behind them.
I hope my reflection in their hearts is one that brings them light, and joy because it reflects the Father himself.
They say that children are often a reflection of their parents. That their actions, decisions, and character will be largely based on what they have learned or watched you do. Sure they will all take on their own personalities and likely makes decisions you would have never advised and will make mistakes you are hoping they never saw you make, but the root of their heart will be the reflection of you, standing there behind them in that puddle. I don’t know about you, but I want my reflection to smile back at me, knowing it is full of love.♥
X♥O Nicole
This is such a great post! Alot of times the kids are off running around and not paying attention to anything but having fun and I hope that when they are older they can appreciate all the fun time they had available.
Definitely, I couldn’t agree more!
This is such a great post! Alot of times the kids are off running around and not paying attention to anything but having fun and I hope that when they are older they can appreciate all the fun time they had available.
Definitely, I couldn’t agree more!
Your words are really great! Love you.
Thank you Grandma! Love you too!! xoxo
Parenting is such a big thing! And I hope to leave a good reflection on my little one’s heart one day too!
Its such a big job, but so worth it 🙂
Parenting is such a big thing! And I hope to leave a good reflection on my little one’s heart one day too!
Its such a big job, but so worth it 🙂
Your reflection is very important! I have to tell myself this all the time! I can get stressed and have to be like no…. Stay calm and happy everyone will remember lol…
haha its so hard to stay calm sometimes isnt it?! But they will understand those not so calm moments one day when they are parents themselves!
Your reflection is very important! I have to tell myself this all the time! I can get stressed and have to be like no…. Stay calm and happy everyone will remember lol…
haha its so hard to stay calm sometimes isnt it?! But they will understand those not so calm moments one day when they are parents themselves!
Oh, what a sweet post. It’s very true that our children are reflections of us.
Thank you!
Oh, what a sweet post. It’s very true that our children are reflections of us.
Thank you!
What an absolutely moving post. I teared up reading it!
Aww I am so glad your liked it Jennifer! Its so nice to know when a reader can really relate to something you wrote!
What an absolutely moving post. I teared up reading it!
Aww I am so glad your liked it Jennifer! Its so nice to know when a reader can really relate to something you wrote!
This is so sweet.. when I look back on my time with my parents I only remember the positive stuff… so hopefully my kids will do the same!
Thats a really good point! I do the same when I think back to most of my childhood memories!
This is so sweet.. when I look back on my time with my parents I only remember the positive stuff… so hopefully my kids will do the same!
Thats a really good point! I do the same when I think back to most of my childhood memories!
I couldn’t agree more. My reflection is not perfect, but I also hope it’s the positive things that are prominent.
I dont think anyones is perfect, and that is a good thing, because then our kids wont have the pressure of being prefect… but a good, kind reflection, now that the gold. <3
I couldn’t agree more. My reflection is not perfect, but I also hope it’s the positive things that are prominent.
I dont think anyones is perfect, and that is a good thing, because then our kids wont have the pressure of being prefect… but a good, kind reflection, now that the gold. <3
This is so heartfelt and hopefully one day your children will read this as adults about how you felt when they were little! 🙂
That is my hope Joy! I use my blog a lot for my kids to one day look back at!
This is so heartfelt and hopefully one day your children will read this as adults about how you felt when they were little! 🙂
That is my hope Joy! I use my blog a lot for my kids to one day look back at!
Very good thoughts here. Love the touches of little moments captured, that but for your writing about it, would be lost to time.
Thank you Randi! That is definitely my hope, another added bonus of writing everything down.. 🙂
Very good thoughts here. Love the touches of little moments captured, that but for your writing about it, would be lost to time.
Thank you Randi! That is definitely my hope, another added bonus of writing everything down.. 🙂
I’m sure that your children will remember a joyful childhood. 🙂 and I am sure that you will remember such a busy, but wonderful season in your life.
I’m sure that your children will remember a joyful childhood. 🙂 and I am sure that you will remember such a busy, but wonderful season in your life.
Thanks for this post. It was deep and really made me think!
Thanks for this post. It was deep and really made me think!