Cherish each moment
Yesterday morning, a dear 8-year-old girl named Marielle, daughter of one of the elders in our little church, was freed from the shackles of her cancer-ridden body to live for Eternity in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though we've only known this family since the beginning of last year, we have been thoroughly challenged to observe this Godly family soldier through such a difficult, heart-rending journey with their daughter's neuroblastoma.
Marielle (right) with her friend, Megan (left)
Read some thoughts from Megan's dad about Marielle here.
There are many emotions right now, as are often in these situations. As only a 2-year-old can, Kathrynne has been going around saying, "Marielle went to live with Jesus." What a beautiful picture this brings to mind! Marielle is now free from the pain and suffering she has endured for so many months. She will never again have to face the sorrow, hurt, and heartache which is on this earth.
But, there is also great grief at the emptiness this once bright-eyed spunky girl has left behind. And she leaves a stark reminder of the frailty of life. We never know how much time we have with our children or with our loved ones.
Sunday night, Jesse and I were up multiple times with Kathrynne. For some odd reason, she wouldn't sleep and was extremely fussy and needy and we all faced the morning yesterday exhausted from our marathon night. Nights like these can test your patience and endurance as a parent. But, I couldn't help but think through my fog of exhaustion yesterday how blessed I was to still have the opportunity to be a parent, to have those sleepless nights. Each day God allows me as a parent is a precious opportunity to invest in these little lives God has given me.
As I wrote a few years back when a 19-year-old friend of mine was killed instantly in a tragic car accident:
Marielle (right) with her friend, Megan (left) Read some thoughts from Megan's dad about Marielle here.
There are many emotions right now, as are often in these situations. As only a 2-year-old can, Kathrynne has been going around saying, "Marielle went to live with Jesus." What a beautiful picture this brings to mind! Marielle is now free from the pain and suffering she has endured for so many months. She will never again have to face the sorrow, hurt, and heartache which is on this earth.
But, there is also great grief at the emptiness this once bright-eyed spunky girl has left behind. And she leaves a stark reminder of the frailty of life. We never know how much time we have with our children or with our loved ones.
Sunday night, Jesse and I were up multiple times with Kathrynne. For some odd reason, she wouldn't sleep and was extremely fussy and needy and we all faced the morning yesterday exhausted from our marathon night. Nights like these can test your patience and endurance as a parent. But, I couldn't help but think through my fog of exhaustion yesterday how blessed I was to still have the opportunity to be a parent, to have those sleepless nights. Each day God allows me as a parent is a precious opportunity to invest in these little lives God has given me.
As I wrote a few years back when a 19-year-old friend of mine was killed instantly in a tragic car accident:
While you still have it, take the time to invest in the lives of your children and those around you. Cherish each moment. You may not have many left.Related: Amy writes poignantly on the sudden death of her friend.
You may be thinking, "But I just don't have the time." Make the time. Evaluate your life: What activities are you currently involved in that are not going to matter ten years from now? How about 100 years? Simplify your life. Get rid of clutter and make room for joy. Someday when your children are grown and gone, they are probably not really going to remember the presents you bought for them or the opportunities you allowed them, but they will remember the time you spent with them.
There are a lot of good things in life for one to devote time to but only a few of those things are the best things. Don't let another priceless moment slip through your hands because you are "too busy." While you have the time, take the time.
posted by Crystal Paine at 9:23 AM
6 Comments:
This was perfect for me to read today, since I am neck deep in things to do and have two children that are vying for my attention at once. It's tough to balance making time to simply sit down and play with them and yet on the other hand teaching them that sometimes they have to wait a few minutes and that the world can't revolve around them--at least not all the time! :-) I didn't realize being a parent would be so challenging! :-)
After dealing with the flu last week I can so relate to being up at night and being tired. I think we've kicked the sickness now, but it was refreshing to read your thoughts on cherishing each moment. It's so true. Time zooms by and before we know it, these little ones will be grown up. Thanks for the reminder. Hope Kathrynne is feeling better today!
It's so amazing how God can use a death to open our lives to LIVE to the fullest, and to live life more abundantly. Thank you for sharing your heart. Though I don't have children, I work at Day Care with many VERY un-Christian-like children who try my patience as far as it has ever been tested before. (Most of them are on MEDS for issues). I am constantly reminded of how these children need love and to see Christ. Thank Goodness we are free to talk to the kids about the Lord and read the bible! Thanks for the encouragement to keep going, keep trying, and praying for these children to come to the Lord!
Having lost my only child I can greatly empathize with this family and my deepest condolences to them. I am sure she is a beautiful girl - I say "is" because the spirit is still alive.
Although it is quite comforting to know she is with Jesus, that comfort does not take away the pain of not ever seeing their precious child on earth again. The missing is the hardest part; not ever being able to love, comfort, hold, cherish your child again. Not being able to see her grow up and the many milestones that come with that; marriage, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. They have a long and difficult road ahead. As many years as I am into this grief, it never leaves you. There are constant reminders of families with children, holidays that never end, special days that although brought you happiness - they can bring you pain as well.
Imagine waking up one day only to find the child you loved so much not there anymore. In the busyness of life, don't forget to love and cherish what God has given those of you who are blessed.
Losing a child is the most difficult pain there is. Out of any type of loss it is the most unexpected. I have lost a child in utero and that was very painful (by saying this I don't minimize anyone else who has had a similar loss). But to lose a child you nurtured, loved and have memories with - is the most challenging of all.
This was so moving. Our lives are so packed with activities we sometimes forget about what really matters to us. I had a discussion about this today with another young woman. "I can't get married right now, and can't start having children," - she claimed. - "I must wait. I must finish my degree and get a job and start earning lots of money so I can buy many different things for my children and pay for all of their activities..." - but happiness doesn't wait! We never know how much time we will really have upon this earth! Why do we waste our time?
It's easy to get caught up in all in the "time eaters"...things that have their place and are often beneficial but need to be kept in balance with everyday life such as church programs, play groups/play dates/, socializing with others, etc. It'r ironic that many mothers who claim to stay at home with their children are actually rarely at home with them! If we are running here and there and everywhere and have tons of events and committments that take us out of the home regularily, we are not as available for those precious moments of bonding and learning together as a family. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on evaluating what our time is being used on and cutting out the unneccessary things that take away from our first priority.
Crystal -
Jonathan wrote a post on his blog about Marielle. Thought you might like to see it and the wonderful picture of Megan and Marielle taken at our last church picnic.
http://poleblog.polemos.net/2007/05/marielle.html#links
Awaiting the day when He will wipe away each tear,
Melanie
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