Sunday, October 5, 2008

The journey

I have a tendency to be a 'destination' kind of a girl. Have no clue what I mean? Well, it's a compulsion to really look forward to things, then totally disregard the here and now. The destination rather than the journey. I look to a time when things will get easier (ha!), I'll be more organized (one can dream), there won't be so many demands on my time.
God is opening my eyes to something really beautiful. Right now. Right here. It's what counts, it's what matters. It is a gift!
The journey...
The trike-a-thon at K's preschool was something that most kids couldn't wait for and participated in with enthusiasm. I read about it and wondered what we would do. K had never been on a trike before. The weakness in his right side causes most gross motor skills to be very challenging and this was one we just hadn't taken on yet. Before we knew it the day was upon us. K's occupational and physical therapists arrived armed to prepare a sweet little boy for a first experience. They adapted his trike to meet his special needs. Although Dave had to walk beside him and gently push some of the time, K participated and acquired a little bit more self esteem.

While most children were able to go 7-10 laps, K did 2 1/2. Never have you seen a more satisfied look then when his ribbon, which every child received, was pinned on his shirt. "I won mom! I won!" were the words that he nearly giggled out.

The journey...

The early morning doctor appointment that K and I traveled to together last week gave us an excuse for a special mommy and K day (I almost wrote 'special K' and mommy day, but that made me hungry for cereal). On the hour long trip we sang together, laughed at jokes no one else would understand, and talked about triangles.

Once we arrived we were ushered in to see K's rehabilitation doctor who usually sees him twice a year. It had been 9 months since we had been able to see her last. She was amazed at his progress. This is a doc who tends to be a touch negative in her responses, so seeing her smile and hearing her rave was a rare treat. She wrote a prescription for a cane to be used in the place of his walker. She was pleasantly surprised at his spelling/early reading skills. Seeing doctors now who made grave predictions for our little guy when he was yet a baby is such an uplifting experience. Never did they imagine they would be observing what they now are in K.
The journey...
Attending the crisis pregnancy center fundraising banquet and hearing a personal testimony of a family who has been greatly impacted by the seeds planted by those of us who volunteer there. Meeting the precious little 9 month old baby girl who's life is unfolding due to God's amazing work. Being a part of some thing like this gives me goose bumps and focuses my eyes heavenward.
The journey...
Having a rare evening at home and taking the time to fulfill a three year olds request for these. Oh friends, you must MUST try these. You will not be sorry! For even more fun, make them with a three year old and distribute flour all over your kitchen. -And for those of you who have been waiting and waiting for this recipe to go public, yes I am finally letting the secret out. :)

The journey...

The early Saturday morning opportunity to speak to grieving parents, share personal experiences, and reach out. A legacy for the children we can't cuddle. The rose petals tossed into the waterfall - reflecting upon our babies and God's infinite goodness.

The journey...

The crisp, cool, clear, Saturday afternoon in which I failed miserably in getting caught up on house work but instead enjoyed this and truly savored every minute:

The journey my friends, the journey!

Enjoy it!

19 comments:

SmilingSally said...

What a terrific mom you are! The smile on K's face and the doctor's visit tells the story. You're doing Important Work on this journey.

dani said...

i am terrible about wishing time away and not living in the moment; thank you for reminding me, wendi. and, thank you for letting us journey with you:)
love,
dani

Jackie said...

So as I am reading this, I am remembering what you said in your video about how your gift is in touching people and making them cry rather than laugh. And this is another amazing example of that gift.Congrats, K, on winning the trike-a-thon! Those 2 1/2 laps that you pedaled are such a victory.

And thanks for sharing your pretzel recipe...I am tempted to whip up a batch right now. :)

carrie said...

great post.

and thanks for your nice comments on my testimony post. I never know if anyone is reading that thing. I put it on there so long ago. It actually wasn't hard to write at all. Except to know which parts to include and which to leave out.

Aminta said...

I so understand what you mean! I too do this. I think many of us do.
I think you are doing a wonderful job at being a mommy, wife and not to mention encourager of many, many women. THANK YOU!!!!
Loves to you!
Aminta
And hey, congrats to "Special" K!

Anne Elizabeth said...

Great post!!!! I LOVED seeing all the pictures. I really needed to be reminded today that I need to enjoy the journey:)

Lena said...

What a beautiful Journey God takes us on in out lives. and it's always in the here and now where god wants to use us- I really needed to hear this today- I am all about the desitination too! You are such an amazing example and I feed off your positive outlook... I am so blessed you came across my path.

Thanks for sharing your journey- You have encouraged me often!

sara said...

What a beautiful post! And a great reminder for all of us! thanks!

Unknown said...

Thanks for reminding me to live in the here and now and to be thankful for each moment.

Genny said...

How great about the trike-a-thon! And what a great post, Wendi. As far as I'm concerned, this IS a "one month" post...living the journey to its fullest! I cried reading this and I think it is just beautiful.

Cindy Swanson said...

Your kids are so precious, Wendi! Thanks for sharing.

Amy said...

Wendi, I love all the pictures. They look like they are having a marvelous time. It is all about the journey. Housework will always be there, your kids won't little forever. I know you enjoyed the time spent with them. Great post! Blessings.

E. RaMona (Alaiyo) said...

Beautiful..., simply beautiful. You're an awesome mother!

Joy Junktion said...

You are right my dear friend.
Life is truly about the journey and not so much the destination.
I'm glad you have been able to see that and enjoy the precious moments.
So great for K and the ticycle! Whoo Hoo!!!!
Blessings, Cindy

Joyfulsheep said...

Congratulations K! You and your brothers are growing so fast. I think I need to come visit you before I don't recognize you anymore! I'm going to have to try out that recipe too! Love you all!

Unknown said...

Wow! you said it perfectly. The journey is always the most important. Thanks for the reminder.

Tracy said...

What an awesome post. What joy you can see on K's face! This is such a great reminder, and you are one inspiring Momma!

Like you, I can often focus on the end result and miss the blessings along the way. (It's one of the things I love most about my hubby...he's ALL ABOUT savoring the blessings along the way!)

Thank you for sharing these sweet blessings and words of wisdom...

Blessings,
Tracy

Little Candle said...

Oh, how I love this post! How I would love to spend an afternoon with you!
Just checking in, sorry to have been so scarce, but I think of you and your sweet family often.
Hugs!
Sarah :)

Stacey said...

Good lessons to be reminded of!! I am definitely a get me the end result kind of gal!!! But the journey is really what's important isn't it??

Thanks for the loving reminder!!