Kirby 4 days old, January 2011
"Reflective thinking turns experience into insight"
John Maxwell
At 3 am the house is quiet. A sliver of light from another room gently guides me to his crib. I pick him up and his warm, sleepy body sinks into my arms, trusting that I will provide him with the comfort and nourishment he needs. I move to the rocking chair. Soon the rocking and his rhythmic sucks lull me into a calm, meditative state.
As I rock my darling baby, my heart full of love for this sweet little creature I have been entrusted with, my thoughts drift to the events of the previous day.
I welcome this. It is not a distraction. It doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the moment, but adds to it. I'm glad of the chance to reflect on my day and learn from it with a few hours of precious sleep in between to clear my head. As a mother of two, I take quiet moments to reflect wherever I can find them.
It's a matter of perspective. Middle of the night feeds can be a drag, or an opportunity. I choose to look at them as an opportunity.
An opportunity to pray, think things through, and get in tune with my innermost wishes. But most of all, an opportunity to hold and love that precious bundle of mine.
Gretchen Rubin says "the days are long, but the years are short". Well ain't that the truth!
Exhausting as it was at times, I look back with wonder and gratitude on all the nights we spent together. They were a gift. I will always look back on them with fondness.
Thank you Kirby!
