Eight years ago, I almost sheepishly got married and accepted that my life was flowing in a different direction from what I had planned.
Five years ago ... well, five years ago, this happened:
My life has turned out so different from what I thought it would be, and so much more fulfilling than I could have imagined (even if at times it seems absolutely numbing and stultifying - even at those times, I KNOW that it is all worth it.
Happy fifth birthday, my darling Joy. Your life is the very best story I could ever have a hand in writing, and I am so thankful for the privilege of being a co-author in your living epistle.
One year
Two years
Three years
Four years
Last month. We haven't had a chance to do her five-year photo shoot yet. Later today!
I am a writer. I am a mom. It's taken almost five years, but I'm finally learning the two are not incompatible.
My priorities have shifted since becoming a mom, but who I am at the core has not. Motherhood just stripped away the nonessentials.
These last five years have been a wild ride. I can't even fathom what the next five will bring, but I'm excited to live it, and watch it unfold.
It may be Joy's birthday today, but I'm the one receiving the gift. Every day for five years.
Happy birthday to your daughter! What a cutie! My youngest just celebrated her fifth birthday at the end of June. It really does fly by. No, motherhood and writing aren't incompatible. Sometimes I think a lot of successful writers are mothers because it forces them to be serious about pursuing it as career. If you can continue to find time to sit down and hone your craft and turn out books and query agents and connect with writing professionals all while raising kids, you know you've found your passion.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way of looking at it! Thanks for the insight.
DeleteHappy Birthday, Joy!!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm a mom whose life didn't turn out as I'd planned it--and how much more wonderful it's been. I'm thankful every moment (well, almost every moment--those teenage dirty clothes on the floor of the bedroom drive me crazy). :)
I've already had to start confiscating clothes when they don't get put away. I shudder to think of what it'll be like in ten years.
DeleteHow sweet! I agree, the two lives are compatible. We can enjoy both. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd enjoying it is the key! We might not be able to revel in every moment, but overall enjoyment of this life is what keeps us going.
DeleteHappy, happy birthday Joy! My oh my, has it been FIVE years??? It's been an amazing journey watching both of you as you grow. Life is never as we plan it, but how can we ever plan for things so sweet, so wonderful?
ReplyDeletePlans are fun, but watching God overturn our plans for his is even better.
DeleteI wish I could have "liked" your reply. Give your girls a hug from me, especially the birthday girl!
DeleteOh, how lovely! Happy birthday to the girl who helped you find the path that you are on!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is an interesting conundrum - do we help our children to grow, or do they help us?
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