it won’t be like this for long.

We took a road trip this last weekend and as we were driving, I heard this song again. There is such wisdom in the phrase, "it won't be like this for long."

During our trek northward, there were points in the journey when the three little people filling the car seats in the back became a little restless. They were tired and fighting sleep or were told there would be no more snacks right now or had simply been strapped in for too long and the whining and occasional screeching was getting to the driver. This song played and was a great reminder that this particular phase of our lives isn't going to last forever. This particular trip, even, wasn't going to last forever and we need to make the most of it. Sometimes it was funny as I turned toward Denten and told him, "it won't be like this for long." sure, he'd reply. could it stop by the time we reach that sign?

We said the same thing an hour later when I turned around to see three sweet little faces fast asleep, their eyelashes resting on their soft cheeks, their blankets pulled up to their chins. Peaceful. Quiet. “enjoy it. it won’t last forever.”

The 12 virtues challenge is focusing on gratitude this month and the title of this song has stayed with me as I interact with my children. They won’t be like this for long and I need to be sure I’m not wishing time away, but instead enjoying this moment.

Amy G. and Jess are probably not sleeping very much right now as they both have brand new little girls straight from heaven living with them. It won’t last forever. The sleepless nights, or the perfectly wonderful feeling of holding a newborn. Jaime is surviving 6 people in a New York apartment, three being under three. It won’t last forever. There are experiences being had and memories being made and moments with those children that will never come again. Leslie is about to burst from being so pregnant. While so uncomfortable she can hardly stand it, it won’t last forever. That sweet feeling of carrying a baby inside you won’t last forever and while you may be so grateful for that, it is a feeling some woman ache to have. Michelle and Kelly spend a good part of each afternoon as a chauffeur, driving children to music lessons and sporting events. It won’t last forever. Someday you won’t have anyone at home that needs to be somewhere in 15 minutes and precious time in the car free of distractions of the world to engage in conversation. Ben, Drew and Lexie are on their way to have great adventures away from home. Perhaps anxiety or nervousness accompany the event, but it won’t last forever. Two years will be over and done and there won’t be another chance to make the very most of this incredible opportunity. It can be two years wasted or it can be two years spent accomplishing great things. Rachel serves tirelessly every day pretending her entire body doesn’t hurt like crazy. Nienie has had to start over with her body, learning how to do the most basic of things one step at a time. They may have to look a little further to see that this won’t last forever. Somewhere there is a perfect body waiting for them. One that moves easily without any pain. Whatever it is right now, it won’t be like this for long.

Today isn’t going to last forever. Sometimes we’re exhausted and spent and done and the end of the day is very welcome. Sometimes we’re glad that this isn’t going to last for long. But I have experienced wise women in my life who often remind me that these days with my young children are to savor. These days are flying by and they aren’t coming back. I have today to be grateful for this experience I’m living and to make the very most of it. Because whatever today brings, it won’t be like this for long.

It Wont Be Like This For Long - Darius Rucker