The Last Time for The Last Time

Social media is a two-edged sword. Meaning it cuts both ways. Like the word bittersweet. This past week I was reminded of that vividly by a post of an old friend of mine.

26 years ago I gave the devotion at her baby shower. In case that is a foreign concept to you, let me explain. Back 'in the day' when a church sponsored baby shower was given, you had food, gifts, a few games and then a devotion. I'm not sure if that is still the formula for current times, as it has been a while since I've attended a baby shower. I'm anticipating the next ones I attend may be those for my grandchildren's babies. (The epitome of the term bittersweet.) Anyway, not too long after my friend's post, I investigated a bit and found a post by 'baby Alex'. He was married a couple of years ago and posted an ultrasound picture announcing that they are expecting. Yeah. As they say, 'that just happened.'

The post by my friend was a screenshot of the devotion I gave at her shower. Evidently, I gave her a copy of it and she has kept it all these years. I am posting a picture of it exactly as it was written all those years ago, flaws and all. I really wanted to rewrite and correct it but resisted. 

I was amused by some of the changes that time has brought about. Most young moms will have no earthly idea what seeing your number on a display at church means but will receive a text instead. Never again will anyone 'wind up a swing' or put a quarter in a gumball machine or do much of anything at Kmart. But mind you, this was 1998. To put this in perspective, while my friend was having her fourth baby, (I'm pretty sure Alex was number four), my children were sixteen, fourteen, and almost twelve. I really was past all of the baby, toddler and young helpless child part of life. I was in what I truly believed was the most fun part of child-rearing. Yes, I realize not everyone agrees with me, but we were blessed with relatively smooth and painless teen years. They were awesome and we loved it. 

But while there were definite differences, there are some timeless things that remain the same. My daughter and I discussed this, as her children are close to the ages mine were when I wrote the original message above. The principles remain unchanged. Time slows down for no one, and the difficulties and annoying tasks of today will become endearing memories of your future. 

One thing I got wrong, and I am not afraid to admit, is that it was the Last Time that I would do these things. I have done most, if not all of them many times again. But not for my children, but for their children. And it has been an honor, a privilege, not work. 

It has to do with perspective. We tend to be less appreciative of the moments that we feel are obligations, and more so of ones that we feel are gifts. Ask a cancer survivor how they feel when they wake each morning. Most of them realize the preciousness of life and can greet each day as a gift. So many of us wake in the morning with dread, thinking of all the things we have to accomplish, starting with getting out of bed. Waking with gratitude changes that perspective.

When we are young, right in the thick of raising children, in the 'spin cycle' as I like to call it, it is difficult to be filled with gratitude for the moments of chaos, mess, and noise. On the other side of it, where I am, as a grandparent, there is a sense of thankfulness that we get to participate. I can remember my mother-in-law saying many times, 'Thank you for letting me have such a large part in your kids' lives.' I always responded with a comment equal to, of course, but never truly understood what she was communicating to me until I took on the role of 'Nonni'. 

Having grandchildren, being able to be a part of their lives, watching them grow up and being able to pour into their lives ensures that perhaps that wasn't the 'Last Time'.  Even better? The second time around we have a bit more wisdom, more patience and a whole lot more time. Perhaps I will still be around to have those moments with my great-grandchildren.

So, whether you are experiencing these moments for the first time, or the second, cherish them. Because for us, it may not be the last time, but for those precious babies, one day it will be.