Have you ever stopped to think we might be in the best days of our lives?
By Hilary Bernstein, Contributing Writer
I’ve always been sentimental, in the count down the lasts at the end of a school year, remember monthly birthdays of a baby or celebrate all sorts of trivial anniversaries kind of way.
But sometimes, life doesn’t seem very sentimental. And when I was knee-deep in raising an infant and toddler during a depressing relocation and move, I was surprised by a conversation with my grandma:
“Those years when all of my kids were young were the best of my life. Aren’t these just the best times of your life, Hilary?”
Like Erin, my grandma and I were so close – and her question caught me off guard.
How could these be the best times of my life? I felt like I was drowning in the reality of a home I hated, an extra tight budget, a rough year in my marriage, a crying, clingy baby, and a toddler prone to tantrums.
As much as I remember my grandma’s question, I don’t know how I answered. But since that day, I’ve thought about my grandma’s memories. I know she was reflecting on her life and since she was in her 80s, she knew what were her best days – and what were the worst.
After I left Grandma’s home, I began wondering if I was in the middle of some of the best days of my life – and I didn’t even know it.
When life passes you by
Life passes so quickly. Seasons fly, babies grow, and through it all, the days may seem long but the years are so short.
When I look back on different seasons of my life – school days, different jobs, time with family – I remember difficult challenges for sure. I remember I didn’t enjoy every single part.
But for every challenge, I wish I had a chance to return, just to spend time with friends and family members I haven’t seen in decades. I’d love to go back and have another conversation or another laugh. I’d love to get one more hug.
In every difficult time, there still was good. Sweet spots have a way of sticking in my mind even when life hasn’t been all sunshine and roses.
The trick of enjoyment
So I have to believe my grandma. Someday, decades from now, I won’t vividly remember the sleepless nights, arguments and whining, or all of my mommy and homemaker fails. Those days when I think I can’t take anymore? They’ll pass by.
As busy wives and moms, we can get so consumed with our to-do lists and how smoothly our households are running and families are getting along that we completely miss the beauty in mundane moments. But they’re right there, every day, if we just look for them.
For now, the trick is found in enjoying the moments of everyday life, because we may be in the middle of some of the best days of our lives. And we don’t even realize it.
Anna
I love this! I’ve heard “the days may be long, but the years are short” before, but now I can imagine myself at a grandma age, smiling backwards!
I am going to make myself a little poster to hang up in our home: “These are the best days of our lives!” Thanks for the encouragement!
Hilary Bernstein
I’m so glad you found encouragement in this, Anna! It can be so easy to lose perspective in the day-to-day grind of life. I love your idea of a poster as a reminder!
Madalene
Really great article!
Aimee Hadden
This reminds of a quote from The Office when Andy says, “Don’t you wish you knew you were in the good old days before they were the good old days?”Such a good reminder. Yesterday I was enjoying sitting outside reading while my kids played and I had to pause and enjoy the moment. These years of littles can be intense, but truly are sweet. Thanks for sharing.
Kelly Cox
Hilary, this was so encouraging! We are in a season of waiting to adopt our first child. My husband and I regularly pray and remind each other to not miss what God has for us in this season. The baby will be here in His time and we can rest in that. I will remember today that these days are some of our best as a couple and even growing in the Lord!