Happy New Year!
It's hard to believe it's now 2017! This past year was one of the best yet for our family. We are so thankful. We are hopeful for this coming year and the new experiences we will encounter, both individually and as a family.
I have lots of home ideas swirling around for the coming year, and am excited to share them with you!
But today, as we are just a few days into the new year, I wanted to share a a special sign that's new to our house, and why it means so much to me.
I have lots of home ideas swirling around for the coming year, and am excited to share them with you!
But today, as we are just a few days into the new year, I wanted to share a a special sign that's new to our house, and why it means so much to me.
When I saw this sign by Cottonwood Shanty, I thought it would be perfect as we head into the new year. The quote by C.S. Lewis reminds us to look ahead with hope for the future.
This hasn't always come easily for me. I've often grieved the passing of time. And I'm not just talking about the occasional cute "remember when..." baby story nostalgia.
When I see how quickly our children are growing (we now have a teenager!, a 10-year-old, and a 7-year-old), I get tempted to miss the baby and toddler years, when I could carry them on my hip and feel like we had nothing but time on our side.
But when I look at my family now, how very close in my heart each one is, and when I see who my boys are becoming, I wouldn't trade these days for anything! I love that we can experience both everyday life (complete with its growing pains), as well as so many adventures together.... Adventures that are so much easier now without diapers and strollers.
(Okay, the strollers are debatable. ;)
I know God's plans for us are good... "Plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans to give us a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
I don't want to spend anymore time looking longingly over my shoulder at the past. I'm thankful for those days. But I want to be present in this day. And, I'm excited for what is still to come!
Are you with me? Can you relate to these feelings? Or, do you have a different perspective? What are you most looking forward to in the coming year? I would truly love to hear from you in the comments below.
(The collage below is one I recently shared on Instagram.)
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Xo
Xo
Love that sign! So appropriate.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda. Glad you like it! Happy new year!
DeleteI love the sign too, Julie - it looks great in your entryway. I can relate to how you feel. Sometimes I wish they could be little again for just a day every now and then but there are wonderful parts of every age as they grow up. My oldest started college this year but lucky for me, he chose a college that is close by so we still get to see him a lot.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing JoAnne! I love that you still get to see your college-age son often. That gives me hope! :)
DeleteAs a mother of sons turning 20 & 23 soon, I often think how did the time go so quickly? I am thankful for every moment that I have been a part of seeing them grow.
ReplyDeleteEvery day is truly a gift from God. I sense that is what you are recognizing. It's a beautiful unfolding of His wonderful plans for our lives. I get up each day excited to see what He is going to bring forth. ❤
Love your thoughts and heart on this Krista. Couldn't agree more. Happy new year to you and your family!
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