Feeling Thankful Today

This is the week that both kids go out of town to summer camp with our church. It’s a crazy thing to have both kids out of the house at the same time. They will both have birthdays this summer and they will be 14 and 17! Where did the time go?

Since Gary and I began having kids at 40 years old, we have always felt like the oldest parents in the room with young kids. I don’t think it is as rare anymore. While most of our friends our age have older kids, there are a few right in the boat next to us. I am in my upper 50’s, it’s a crazy time to be thinking about winding down and what that looks like while kids are planning for high school and college.

I have probably told you before, but all I wanted for my life was to be a mom and wife! The delayed dream was always there and never forgotten! I am just stubborn enough to have waited for the right person. It is true that God gives you the desires of your heart, but it is also true that God is never early in his timing of answering prayers! Ha!

Gary and I married just after my 39th birthday. We got pregnant with Emily 2 months after our wedding. Boy that was a surprise! I had Emily the day before my 40th birthday! No midlife crisis for me! We bought an SUV and celebrated. Then, almost exactly 3 years later, I had Jake!

There were so many crazy years early in our marriage. Instant babies, houses, and aging parents from day one. We were forced to deal with a wide range of challenges all at once. I must tell you that there were some very, very hard years!

When I look back, even though I wanted it to happen sooner and I wanted my life to be a stay-at-home mom and not a career woman, I believe God’s best was set before me and I am thankful on the other end. I am thankful that I married a man that was made specifically for me. I am thankful for my kids every second of every day (even the challenging ones – truly)! I am also thankful for a quiet couple of days this week and I will be thankful when they come back home.

Garth Brooks song “I Thank God for Unanswered Prayers” really hits home for me. If I had been given the answers to my prayers when I was younger, I would not have the skill set and drive to accomplish what God has called me to accomplish. I am so thankful that I am more well-rounded than previously hoped.

Meanwhile, Gary and I are going to treat ourselves to several days of fun – just the two of us. Revel in this brief vacation and ramp up when they come home!

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