Living Now in the Southern Quote

My husband and I had a toddler and a preschooler when we began to seriously consider having another child. For us, the timing was looking like now or never. We didn’t want to wait too long in between number two and number three. Our first two were close. We knew we would want that same experience for the next child, if there was one.

After a lot of discussion, Phil became convinced that our status quo was just right.  I was more ambivalent and still trying to look at the decision from every angle when I came face to face with an undeniable fact that sealed the deal. I realized my biggest motivator for having another child was the memories of sugar sweet days with a new baby in the house. It had been a special feeling, both times, and I missed it.

In the end, we didn’t have another child but I did have a little epiphany.  If I had another baby to recapture that tender feeling, it would likely be just a matter of time before I began to miss that feeling again. Then what? Would I need to have another and another to stay contented? Unless I planned to be like the little old lady who lived in a shoe, I needed to be thankful for what had been and fully embrace what was.  Otherwise, I would find myself with elementary age kids missing toddlerhood, with junior high kids missing elementary ages, with teenagers missing junior high moments—well, you get the idea.

It would be dishonest of me to say I’ve never begrudged another season of change but that epiphany has served me well. I’ve become increasingly convinced that people who learn to embrace change do themselves and everyone around them a great favor while being resistant to change leads to glass half full living. It’s a way of life I’m continually challenging myself to live and I suppose with this segment I’m challenging y’all, too!

In today’s Southern Quote, I would like to remind you that it has been said, “The best is yet to be!”