God did not call me to a quiet house…
Linda Werner, Circle Christian Schools
I long for quiet.
I wake up crazy early, every day so I can have a quiet time with the Lord.
I stay up too late after they go to bed, simply listening to the air conditioning run, and the quiet.
Our days are filled with words. Noise. Giggles. Outbursts. Life.
Meals seem to be the loudest most word filled time of all.
Sometimes, my ears hurt and my head spins because of the noise.
As a mother of 4 girls, I find that even when one of them is quiet, another picks up the slack.
I am still learning, after almost 12 years of being their mommy, to live in the hubbub and be, okay.
The funny thing is that I’m a talker, too, and it is quite possible that they get it from me.
So, last week when I heard this quote at a meeting, I smiled.
She had to be thinking of me and my husband, who wears noise canceling earphones at times to work and drive.
I know, what you are going to say. “Someday, it will be quiet, and you will miss it.”
And I think, no, it won’t. Because what I’m building, what I’m praying for, is a legacy, a home, a place where they keep coming back to. They, all grown up, still talking and living life, with their noisy kids and dogs and life will be in my house. Forever.
Oh, you might find me hiding at times in my bedroom. But, the sound will be music to my ears.
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Back To School Week 2011:
Yes, I don’t think I was called to a quiet house either. And more times than not I enjoy it and maybe the loudest, craziest of the bunch! Praying in those moments when I long for quiet. When my head is spinning though and ears are hurting I pray I will keep it all perspective:)
and your girls are the cutest all lined up there in the school chairs!
That picture was taken in Ft. Collins old town museum! They love going there! Hope your hubby got home safe, and you get to start your day at Starbucks (for some peace and quiet).
Funny how I am sitting here right now hardly trying to make a sound so I can enjoy a few more quiet moments of morning before they are all awake and the crazy begins. I am learning to love every minute of it. It really is wonderful isn’t it. I also long to have a home that my girls continue to come home to.
I love that you understand my world, Amy! And like me, you love quiet, too! Can’t wait to start our #GMG up again next month!
Oh I love this post! I can completely identify. I have three kids, 2 daughters and a son and sometimes I retreat into my own head for silence. The funny thing is, it’s not ever quiet in my mind either. I guess they come by it honestly.
My favorite part of what you wrote (in addition to your mention of you hubs wearing noise cancelling headphones!) was the part about wanting them to keep coming back…forever. My dream!
I’m thinking about borrowing the noise canceling headphones….:)
Love your picture!! So so so precious.
Doesn’t Ali look like she is ready for school? Oh my – it is going to be a crazy year!
staccy….i thought for sure you must’ve found a window to my heart and home today! talk about noise:i have 5 kids, 3 girls and 2 boys and it’s seldom ever quiet! and yet, i often find myself craving quiet, looking for moments where i can be alone and just hear s.i.l.e.n.c.e.
i love my kids and wouldn’t want them any other way…i too am learning to love the noise–to be thankful that i have kids who can make noise and keep this tired body of mine busy and on my toes. it’s funny, but sometimes people ask me how i can stand the noise, and i look at them and say, “what noise?” it’s so much a part of what makes our house a home that i often don’t even realize it!
i’m looking forward to your posts on back to school! it’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again–i need to get busy! 🙂
Noise is the new normal! Right? Thanks for stopping by! Good luck on your back to school – ours starts tomorrow! Ahh! So not ready!
Love this, Stacey. Such great perspective and a timely reminder for me.
Hi there,
Being a mother of 3 little girls (age 4, 2.5 and 15 months) and expecting our fourth blessing our home has two volume : loud and louder. Love is being spoken loudly, giggle s are welcome and sorry and I love you must be spoken often. We make beautiful music, if we keep our eyes on the Lord, but sometimes, yes sometime too often we do not plays in harmony and we sound awful, that noise if not what we like, forgiveness is sweeter then honey and we have to eat from it often.
Sorry about this rambeling, your post really touched me tonight, it was a blessing to read, thank you
Oh Renee, I’m so glad you were encouraged by this! Your girls are at precious ages! Enjoy them because it was like yesterday, my oldest was 4 and she is nearly 12!
Our three boys operate at loudest possible volume all day. And wouldn’t you know it…. our baby girl has really been getting into “talking” too, and she’s got quite a set of vocal cords! 😉 Love your perspective here, especially your mention of a legacy. It’s what my husband and I work and pray for: that our kids will feel that pull and welcome toward home even when they’re not “kids” anymore.
I think, she might outtalk them all! Now noise is another thing all together, but words – she will pass them up by the time she is 5! 🙂 What a wonderful blessed home you have! Thanks for stopping by today Lenae and for your sweet comment on Twitter!
Great quote, great post, and I totally agree. When my kids were younger we used to joke at our house that we were the “LOUD FAMILY” from SNL…I love it when my hubby, 4 kids plus daughter-in-law, cat & dog are all here and I look forward to the family growing in size and volume. I also love peace & quiet and admit that I’m probably the biggest talker in the family! Blessings, and have a great school year.
I totally forgot abut the LOUD Family! That is so us. Love the classic SNL stuff! Thanks for making me smile today!
LOVED this post and OH how I relate to it!! My 5 year old is NON STOP TALKING all day long- she even talks in her sleep!! I long for quiet, too, but boy do I well remember the years of begging God for a child. I am so blessed with all of my children!!
Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing!
His,
Mrs. U
That is such a great point! Thanks for reminding me of this sweet truth today! So glad you stopped by!