So relatable. I'm in the "grown and (nearly) flown" season of motherhood, but a former part-time, in-the-classroom English prof, now a small-town pastor's wife, teaching online from home. I struggle regularly and mightily with that feeling that I ought to be somewhere else, doing something else.
Rachel, I can’t tell you how much I needed this reminder. I am a stay-at-home wife, part time youth pastor, preacher, homeschool mom to 2 boys— and I do some other work to help with our finances. And sometimes, a lot of times, I have this voice that says it’s not enough. That my life needs to be bigger somehow. That I need to go loud and big with these gifts. Today I am cleaning my home. And I think, is this the thing that matters— I could be OUT THERE doing something more. I came across your poem and I breathe deep. Thank you. This work I do today matters. I see that now.
Definitely, being part of the helicopter swing with your little girl is poetry. But we do enjoy your written versions as well when you have time after your finer poetic joys.
Ohhh, how I love and relate! From mom, to teacher, to poet, to professor, to editor, to chronically ill… feeling all the feels. So beautiful. Thank you!
"Is this not everything?" It is indeed, dear Rachel.
The word 'poem' comes from 'poiema', meaning "a thing that is made...." But you probably already knew that--you ARE a poet, creating a life with your precious daughter.
If I may add as someone on the other side of parenting and now as a Nana to six, I wasted way too many years futzing around with doing anything else but parenting my children. Something important. I'm not sure where that mis-thought came from but I praise God for His redemption of everything...particularly in my grandchildren.
Years later I found myself a a poet as well, something I dreamed of as when a young mom--you will find the time, too. I promise.
So, so good. Reminding me not to spend my work time pining for my kids and my parenting time pining for my work.
Oof. Felt that.
"But, we always think
the thing we’re doing right now
isn’t the thing that matters most,
and what if it is?"
So relatable. I'm in the "grown and (nearly) flown" season of motherhood, but a former part-time, in-the-classroom English prof, now a small-town pastor's wife, teaching online from home. I struggle regularly and mightily with that feeling that I ought to be somewhere else, doing something else.
Thanks for making me ask the question of myself.
“Is this not poetry?”
Indeed.
Our sacred mundane; it truly is everything!
Rachel, I can’t tell you how much I needed this reminder. I am a stay-at-home wife, part time youth pastor, preacher, homeschool mom to 2 boys— and I do some other work to help with our finances. And sometimes, a lot of times, I have this voice that says it’s not enough. That my life needs to be bigger somehow. That I need to go loud and big with these gifts. Today I am cleaning my home. And I think, is this the thing that matters— I could be OUT THERE doing something more. I came across your poem and I breathe deep. Thank you. This work I do today matters. I see that now.
So beautiful, Rachel. Yes, it is everything. :)
Beautiful as always, friend.
Nothing better than imagining with Hilde.
This is lovely
Definitely, being part of the helicopter swing with your little girl is poetry. But we do enjoy your written versions as well when you have time after your finer poetic joys.
Oh this is so rich and true. Thank you for sharing. As a mother, teacher, writer, gardener, artist, lazy bones, mystic dreamer I feel so similarly
Ohhh, how I love and relate! From mom, to teacher, to poet, to professor, to editor, to chronically ill… feeling all the feels. So beautiful. Thank you!
Love this!
"Is this not everything?" It is indeed, dear Rachel.
The word 'poem' comes from 'poiema', meaning "a thing that is made...." But you probably already knew that--you ARE a poet, creating a life with your precious daughter.
If I may add as someone on the other side of parenting and now as a Nana to six, I wasted way too many years futzing around with doing anything else but parenting my children. Something important. I'm not sure where that mis-thought came from but I praise God for His redemption of everything...particularly in my grandchildren.
Years later I found myself a a poet as well, something I dreamed of as when a young mom--you will find the time, too. I promise.
Yes. It is worth everything. Beautiful poem.
Sheeeeesh. That was beautiful.
Sweet thoughts on this winter break. Thanks for sharing.