But 2017 is an unusual year - we are due with second baby on Jan 29! This year, most resolutions seem silly. I'm not about to lose 10 pounds or cut sugar or do push ups everyday. Cleaning out closets sounds nice, but... so does a hot bath and some Netflix, let's get real. Even if I did postpone my "eat healthier, get organized, read my bible more" goals until February 1st, life is about to be very different.
We have no idea what day to day life will be like, with Thomas turning nineteen months and an infant arriving soon. Sleepless and wild for a bit, I bet. So I'm not making a list of goals. But I do have just one: to not complain about this new life with two children under two.
We planned and prayed for this. And I know too many friends who want this - a joyful marriage and the chance to be pregnant. I may never know why God "answers" some prayers and leaves others seemingly unanswered, but I know this - Drew and have so much to be grateful for. Drew is great at never complaining, never being selfish, and reminds me of my dad in that way. I am sure somedays this will sound "pie in the sky" and I'll want to complain that a toddler and an infant is just too much and we need a housekeeper because I never put away our laundry or I wish I could have cute things out in my house like books on our coffee table... But guess what? There are people out there, some that I know personally, many that I do not, who would LOVE to chase children through their backyard yelling "YUCKY DON'T TOUCH" and clean dog poop off their little man's shoes. Couples out there who would love to stare at each other with glazed eyes, exhausted in the wee hours of the night, trying to soothe their new bundle back to sleep.
These days will pass too quickly, I am sure. Thomas will turn two in 2017 and I feel like just yesterday he was six months old trying new mashed foods. We're planning on just two babes for our family, so this is it - this will be the only time in life we're dealing with what may seem daunting now. It will pass before we know it. So I want to enjoy it, all of it, all the time.
I have a sharp tongue and at times a short fuse, especially when I'm sleepy or hungry or stressed. I hope to leave that behind for 2017. Because times are hungry that I will be definitely be sleepy, or hungry, or stressed, or ALL of the above. And I'd like to still be nice and not a monster.
These days will be gone too quickly, so I intend to be joyful through the dog poop, the laundry, the sleepless nights. I want to act outwardly how I feel inwardly - ecstatic. Thankful. Overjoyed. Blessed. Loved. Loving. Compassionate. Patient.
Internally, when I sit down for a quiet moment, I know that my cup runneth over. Externally, may my words and my actions reflect it.
"May the words of my my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
