Oh, this absolutely beautiful reflection brought a tear to my eye.
There is so much profound wisdom and grace in what you’ve written here. That phrase—"holding the next generations loosely yet loving them lavishly"—is going to stick with me for a long, long time. It is such a hard, holy transition to shift from the hands-on managing of our kids' lives to becoming their biggest cheerleaders from the sidelines.
You’ve captured that bittersweet tension so perfectly. The ache of missing the way things used to be, balanced by the sheer joy of watching them fly into their own callings and escapades. Watching expectantly beats clutching with fearful hands every single time, but man, it takes a lot of faith to practice that daily release!
Thank you for the gentle reminder to stand back, pray hard, and wait for the invitation before sharing those well-worn opinions. Leaning into Ephesians 3:20 right alongside you today. Cheering you on in this beautiful season of life!
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend's this month my dear friend.
Paula, thanks for taking the time to sit with me here this afternoon. I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. Even as I share gentle reminders, I have to claim them as my own. That's one of writing's gifts, isn't it. We're always in learning mode.
And no regrets. To be fully in the moment, soaking in all the joy, completely captivated by the people I love most - their presence, their conversation, their antics.
Lois, it's an ever-unfolding adventure to see our younger ones somehow magically become adults right in front of our eyes. And I love their company more than ever.
We just enjoyed the same type of family celebration for a graduation and a birthday--ten of us, for a week. I took very few pictures, always too busy enjoying the moment to even think about the camera in my phone. You are so right, Linda: "No regrets. To be fully in the moment, soaking in all the joy, completely captivated by the people I love most - their presence, their conversation, their antics." Now we have delightful memories to savor!
Nancy, it makes me think that as we ourselves aren't always waving our phones around, other family members might have more space to become those unofficial family photographers!
I think I'm seeing that happen with one of our grandkiddos. And I love it!
I love the flowers on that shed. wow how cool. And what a great reminder that these are the good old days. Makes me value each moment and not want to waste time away with simple scrolling through an app. Thank you for your wisdom today
Valuing the moment. Yes, yes, Jean! Scrolling just might well be the death of our ability to focus on what matters most - loving God and loving people.
So perfectly said. Thank you Linda. I will be adding the verse in Ephesians to my favorites. Thank you again for your beautiful writing. I love how God uses you as an instrument just when and what I needed to hear at the precise time I read it.
Linda, we just returned to the United States yesterday and will hit the ground running, as we always do. My husband is filling in for our American pastor this coming Sunday and I need to teach our adult class. But that said, I had already decided to take the month of July off from writing my own newsletter so that I can be fully present for several major family celebrations. What you have written has reinforced my resolve. I’ve saved your post here as I’ll probably quote you!
I often comment that a time will come sooner than we think when we won’t be able to do what we can now, but that time is not here yet. That said, I was watching my grandchildren play this morning and remember I need to do more of that in my own life. Ministry of all kinds comes before writing and then the words come out of the overflow. Your words continually feed my own soul. Bless you for that outpouring.
I'm so glad you have had a wonderful and refreshing time with family, Linda. And yes, we all need a break from writing. What a fun shed painting project - light, bright, and happy!
Our granddaughter was hard at work, finishing this winsome project in time for her sister's high school graduation. Her little nephew had to be part of the scene, of course. Maybe he'll be an artist, too?!
More and more I leave my phone tucked away. I may have less content but I gain more presence! May you keep "cherishing every crazy, delightful moment" this summer, Linda, and always...
'I may have less content but I gain more presence!'
Dear Lynn, every time you drop by you leave nuggets of pure gold. Our days mean nothing if we are living a life where our heads and hearts are always elsewhere. Thank you for this nudge to remain present and focused on this minute we've been given.
Aw, that is wonderful! I definitely take far less photos than normal when we have parties and family get-togethers as I am far too buy catching up and trying to take it all in.
"banging on heaven’s door for their unique needs, releasing them over and over again into God’s care." If that isn't parenting, grandparenting, great-grandparenting... I don't know what is!
Oh, this absolutely beautiful reflection brought a tear to my eye.
There is so much profound wisdom and grace in what you’ve written here. That phrase—"holding the next generations loosely yet loving them lavishly"—is going to stick with me for a long, long time. It is such a hard, holy transition to shift from the hands-on managing of our kids' lives to becoming their biggest cheerleaders from the sidelines.
You’ve captured that bittersweet tension so perfectly. The ache of missing the way things used to be, balanced by the sheer joy of watching them fly into their own callings and escapades. Watching expectantly beats clutching with fearful hands every single time, but man, it takes a lot of faith to practice that daily release!
Thank you for the gentle reminder to stand back, pray hard, and wait for the invitation before sharing those well-worn opinions. Leaning into Ephesians 3:20 right alongside you today. Cheering you on in this beautiful season of life!
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend's this month my dear friend.
Paula, thanks for taking the time to sit with me here this afternoon. I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. Even as I share gentle reminders, I have to claim them as my own. That's one of writing's gifts, isn't it. We're always in learning mode.
God's not done writing our stories, is He?!
Such true words of wisdom you have shared with us, friend. And the barn is absolutely beautiful, as well as the sweet little guy helping!
Oh we're all so crazy about that little guy. He's non-stop energy and action and joy all rolled into one delightful package.
If only they lived closer ...
And no regrets. To be fully in the moment, soaking in all the joy, completely captivated by the people I love most - their presence, their conversation, their antics.
Love this, my friend, and the painting!!!!
More and more that whole no regrets mindset/heart posture is becoming more like the air I breathe, Lisa.
And I'm grateful that the Lord is keeping that vision, that possibility, before me.
Oh Linda. Those last three paragraphs are pure gold for me as I move forward in the adventure of parenting young adults. Thank you, friend.
Lois, it's an ever-unfolding adventure to see our younger ones somehow magically become adults right in front of our eyes. And I love their company more than ever.
Such an awesome gift in this season ...
We just enjoyed the same type of family celebration for a graduation and a birthday--ten of us, for a week. I took very few pictures, always too busy enjoying the moment to even think about the camera in my phone. You are so right, Linda: "No regrets. To be fully in the moment, soaking in all the joy, completely captivated by the people I love most - their presence, their conversation, their antics." Now we have delightful memories to savor!
Nancy, it makes me think that as we ourselves aren't always waving our phones around, other family members might have more space to become those unofficial family photographers!
I think I'm seeing that happen with one of our grandkiddos. And I love it!
I love the flowers on that shed. wow how cool. And what a great reminder that these are the good old days. Makes me value each moment and not want to waste time away with simple scrolling through an app. Thank you for your wisdom today
Valuing the moment. Yes, yes, Jean! Scrolling just might well be the death of our ability to focus on what matters most - loving God and loving people.
So perfectly said. Thank you Linda. I will be adding the verse in Ephesians to my favorites. Thank you again for your beautiful writing. I love how God uses you as an instrument just when and what I needed to hear at the precise time I read it.
Don't you just love God's timing in our lives? I am so grateful that He loves us so deeply.
Have a good weekend, Suzi!
Linda, we just returned to the United States yesterday and will hit the ground running, as we always do. My husband is filling in for our American pastor this coming Sunday and I need to teach our adult class. But that said, I had already decided to take the month of July off from writing my own newsletter so that I can be fully present for several major family celebrations. What you have written has reinforced my resolve. I’ve saved your post here as I’ll probably quote you!
Welcome back! You keep quite a pace, Maggie, and have so many dear people and opportunities coming at you these days.
Write when you can't not write. We get to decide. He leads, we follow. I love that.
I often comment that a time will come sooner than we think when we won’t be able to do what we can now, but that time is not here yet. That said, I was watching my grandchildren play this morning and remember I need to do more of that in my own life. Ministry of all kinds comes before writing and then the words come out of the overflow. Your words continually feed my own soul. Bless you for that outpouring.
Loving. Living. Celebrating. Giving. Being. So much good for all!
Exactly. All the things we were meant to be. On repeat.
I'm so glad you have had a wonderful and refreshing time with family, Linda. And yes, we all need a break from writing. What a fun shed painting project - light, bright, and happy!
Our granddaughter was hard at work, finishing this winsome project in time for her sister's high school graduation. Her little nephew had to be part of the scene, of course. Maybe he'll be an artist, too?!
That is so sweet! Yes, I noticed her little helper. :)
More and more I leave my phone tucked away. I may have less content but I gain more presence! May you keep "cherishing every crazy, delightful moment" this summer, Linda, and always...
'I may have less content but I gain more presence!'
Dear Lynn, every time you drop by you leave nuggets of pure gold. Our days mean nothing if we are living a life where our heads and hearts are always elsewhere. Thank you for this nudge to remain present and focused on this minute we've been given.
You said it well. Those last two paragraphs are so true! Enjoy your family time.
And thanks for continuing to share snippets with your friends and fans, Rosie. You are a sweetheart.
Glad to do it! This one is going to have to make an appearance in a post somehow, speaks to so much!
Aw, that is wonderful! I definitely take far less photos than normal when we have parties and family get-togethers as I am far too buy catching up and trying to take it all in.
I knew I couldn't be the only one, Joanne!
"banging on heaven’s door for their unique needs, releasing them over and over again into God’s care." If that isn't parenting, grandparenting, great-grandparenting... I don't know what is!
Exactly, Brooke. This is our sacred calling. More than ever.
God is good
Yes, He surely is.
xo
So beautifully written and expressed, Linda…and YES to all of it. ❤️
Carole, thanks! It's so good to hear from you today!
xo