Time and seasons

Sometimes, in the day to day minutia, I get overwhelmed with teaching, planning to teach, and parenting a young child. Julie requires a lot of hands-on time these days. I don't have much time for personal pursuits, hobbies, or even much wasting time (tho I still steal a few moments here and there). There are days when I wonder if it will ever end; when will I have free time again?

I am heartened, then, by the reminders when I quick-browse blogs in those stolen moments. Blogs like Chookooloonks remind me to look for the light in my every day. Karen, who writes Chookooloonks, has a tween daughter. She has found much more time for herself as her daughter grows.

This reminds me that parenting a young kid (and perhaps someday kids) is simply a season in my life. Just like being a kid myself, or being in college, lent itself to certain ways of spending my time, this season too has its own preoccupations. I do not have the time for binge-watching seasons of TV shows on Netflix or devouring a book right now. Marathon training will have to wait (and that's even assuming I ever decide, for sure, that I will run a marathon). And the pleasure of spending all day in solitude is a thing of the past.

However, I do have the time for laugh marathons. I have time for going on lovely walks and pointing out all the cool things we see; Julie is getting to the point and excited squeal stage, and occasionally she pops out a whole word. Today, "baby!" on a page in one of her favorite books. I have time for reading short stories with gorgeous pictures, playing a myriad of percussion instruments (all gifts!), splashing in the water, and lots of time proclaiming "wheee!" I have time for mimicking animals and hearing her repeat back: favorites are kitty, owl, bee, snake, and puppy.

This is but a season in my life, and this too shall pass. I am beyond excited to see the woman Julie grows up to be. And I am also doing my level best to enjoy the moments of joy, excitement, elation, exploration, and love right now.