The Rocker

Sometimes teachable moments aren't always about teaching someone else, they are often times moments I need to learn something.

My first son was born almost four years ago in April. I still cannot believe he will be four years old! Oh my, what will I do when he begins kindergarten?

Before he was born a well-respected lady from my church said, "Enjoy each and every moment when they are a baby because it goes by so fast. Even when you are sitting in the rocker late at night, wishing to go back to bed, enjoy it because it won't last forever!" I thought she was crazy when she said this! How am I going to enjoy anything at 3 o'clock in the morning?

Soon after this advice, my sweet and precious Eric was born on Easter Sunday four years ago. The first few weeks were somewhat blissful despite the shocking revelation of what childbirth is really all about! Then reality sunk in and Eric was a typical newborn needing me to do everything for him! Imagine that! A few more weeks set in and those late night moments weren't as blissful as I thought they were supposed to be.

One night, I was especially tired and I was trying hard to "hurry up" the breastfeeding process. I noticed that he sensed my impatience and of course the "process" was taking longer. Then it dawned on me, this isn't going to last forever. The wise words of Barb ran through my mind and all I could do was just hold Eric close to my chest were he nestled in for a nap. His warm body fit on my chest. This was one of those "teachable moments". This was a time when I had to stop and slow down what I was doing before I missed the opportunity of time escaping me. I had to learn that these moments of tiredness were only temporary. Soon after that Eric was sleeping through the night and although I was glad to have my sleep, I also missed the quiet time in the rocker holding him close to me.

Now, I relish the time when I get to hold him, except now he doesn't fit on my chest, he drapes across my body and his legs dangle down almost half of my body.

My teachable moment still teaches me to slow down and enjoy the process even when it seems tiring, nothing on this earth last forever.