Children Will Not Trouble You Long
“Children will not trouble you long. They grow up—nothing on earth grows up so fast as children. It was but yesterday and that lad was playing with tops, a buoyant boy. He is a man and gone now. There is no more childhood for him or for us. Life has claimed him. When a beginning is made, it is like a raveling stocking; stitch by stitch gives way till all are gone.
The house has not a child in it—there is no more noise in the hall—or boys to rush in pell mell; it is very orderly now. There are no more skates or sleds, bats, balls, or strings left scattered about. Things are neat enough now. There is no delay for sleepy folks. There is no longer any task, before you lie down, of looking after anybody and tucking up the bedclothes. There are no diapers to settle, nobody to get off to school, no complaint, no opportunities for impossible things, no rip to mend, no fingers to tie up, no faces to be washed or collars to be arranged. There was never such peace in the house!
It would sound like music to have some feet to clatter down the front stairs. Oh, for some children’s noise! What used to ail us that we were hushing their loud laugh, checking their noisy frolic and reproving their slamming and banging of doors? We wish our neighbors would only lend us an urchin or two to make a little noise in the premises…We want to be tired, to be vexed, to be run over, to hear children at work with all its varieties.”
~T.L. Haines, The Royal Path of Life: Aims and Aids to Success and Happiness
Sobering! How I treasure and gobble up these days with my delicious boy! He will be 16 months very soon – and all the time I wish I could go back to that very first car ride home from the hospital and do it all over again. This is a great reminder to embrace the mess, the stickiness, the wiping, the bending, the washing, the clutter. It has to be the sweetest season. Thanks for posting – found you from the magnesium post.
They do grow up so fast–so glad you're enjoying your precious son! Thanks for visiting!
My youngest children, twins, will be 13 in a few months and I know these next few years will fly by way too fast for me. What I wouldn't give to have more children, even at almost 43! I will keep the words of your post in my heart. Thanks for sharing them.
Oh, 13! I feel the same way about my oldest child, who will be 13 in July. Time has flown by so fast. I am so thankful for my younger children, and I would also love to have more!
I am thoroughly enjoying this stage of my life with kids rushing into the house pell mell, and toys, and music and movies….I love being with my people!
Deanna
Deanna, I'm so glad you're enjoying your children! It's such a blessing to be a mother. When I read the above quote, I thought it was such a good reminder…they won't be in our home forever.
Blessings to you and your sweet family!
They grow so fast Joy and then they become adults and our jobs as mothers takes a new definition.
My oldest is ready to graduate and make plans to begin his life…honestly, I don't know how to take it yet.
m.
Oh, I know, Maria. My oldest is about to turn 13 next month. It's a different season. There is beauty in each season, but I think it can be hard to let go and see them begin their own lives. I'll pray for you as you navigate this time.
Hi Joy – this post has brought tears to my eyes. I am dreading the day that my Little Son is no longer a child. He is 8 now and I cannot believe how fast the last 8 years have gone. I already miss the nursing, nappy changing and spoon feeding. I miss have a little one in a pram that I can push proudly along. But I now have a beautiful little companion who supports, trusts and loves me more than anything in the world. How special our children are. xxx
Thanks for your comment, Lily!
That is so wonderful that you have such a sweet relationship with your little son! I know what you mean…I sometimes look at my 9-year-old son and want to stop time for a bit. For some reason the thought of my daughters getting older isn't as emotional for me. I guess because with daughters, as they grow older, it seems that you gain lifelong friends (at least that's how it has been with my mom and me). But sons sometimes grow distant…my prayer and desire is to have a close and loving relationship with all of my children, so that we can stay close throughout our lives.
Thanks again for stopping by!