It seems like once mid-October comes, the remainder of the year just flies by. With all the things to do to prepare for the holidays, the “most wonderful time of the year” can often be overwhelming and the things that are meant to be enjoyed end up feeling more like a chore. As I have been trying my best to balance my calendar as a single parent, I have to remind myself to slow down and be still.
My girls and I are scheduled to take family photos this weekend which feels like just one more thing on my already overfilled plate. I find myself stressing about the fact that I don’t have coordinating outfits ready or clear skin. I already had to reschedule our pictures due to a sick kid and bad weather and I have negatively been letting our upcoming family photo session feel like a task rather than a privilege.
I want to share, again, a post I wrote back in 2020. Around this time four years ago, we had taken our last pictures as a family of four and I sent out our last round of Christmas cards from “Molly and Taylor.” I don’t take for granted that it is a privilege to stop and capture my little family just as we are now. I hope that one day our family will have grown and we will look back and remember how special this time was when it was just the three of us, when the girls were still little, when life was hard and messy and beautiful and we will be glad we took the pictures.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
I pray that we can all be wise enough to soak in the joys of whatever season we are in and wise enough to cherish our present time, capturing life as it is even when it doesn’t look picture perfect.
Love, Molly
Copyright © 2023, M. Marley, LLC.
I love how you talk about creating happy and significant memories going forward, despite the sad and profound loss you have experienced. What insight and wisdom. ❤️
Wonderful memories. Reread your older excerpt… so true! Take the picture!
When we are at my parents house or my nana’s house, it is always a treat if the picture albums or boxes are broken out. It’s the only way I’ve ever ‘seen’ my Grandpa Will or Grandma Barbara who are already waiting in the presence of Jesus for us. I love hearing the stories that accompany the photos, or the memories they spark for my family. This post is a great reminder of moments of joy we can pass on to others too.
Take the picture! Thanks for the important reminder.