Daily Archives: November 8, 2006

Everyone has been sick in this house lately. We’ve been battling a nasty cold for about a week. First it got Ellie; then it moved on to Zach and Rick before attacking me. The good thing about being sick is the excuse it offers to do nothing. One of my favorite quotes, though I don’t know who said it, is this: “There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” I love being able to do nothing, even if it means I must be sick to get the opportunity.

Last night Rick went out to get some dinner. (Another bonus of being sick: Rick does the cooking! Translation: TAKE-OUT.) Meanwhile, the kids and I climbed into our big bed. Between playing sleep and switching the bedside lamps off and on, they settled into a nice, cozy pile of cuddles. Ellie was in Rick’s spot, priding over her claimed territory. Zach nestled under my arm and against my chest. As I held his hand in mine, I was overcome by his pudge.

Zachary has always had rather mature features. Ellie was still rippled with irresistible baby fat at his age, but not him. He has always been rather lean. Add in defined facial features and an often serious personality; you can’t help but see the little man in him.

But last night, as we cuddled in a nest of germs, I held a baby’s hand. His little fingers were still dimpled and his wrist a solid line. I stroked it over and over with my thumb. He and his sister chattered away, and I wondered how I could have missed this. I have been so busy with surviving life with these two, keeping up with ministry responsibilities, the house, family dramas and friends … LIFE. I have been so busy with life I failed to relish my baby’s pudge.

God brought a verse to mind: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life …” (1 Thess. 4:11, NAS) The Author goes on instructing us to mind our own business and work hard so that we may be independent and win the respect of others.

I always read this verse wondering why it was so important to be quiet. I’m a loud person, outgoing and charismatic. The older I get, the more I calm down, but for the most part I love noise. I love a little chaos and a lot of activity (within reason, of course). A couple months ago our pastor spoke on this verse and gave me a different view. He described ‘quiet’ as being the opposite of ‘busy’.

Our lives are so filled with busyness! We trim all the excess from our schedules, squeezing in as much as possible into tiny spaces, all in pursuit of optimum productivity. We gotta get more and more done. I fear, in our trimming and squeezing and rushing and running to achieve lean and productive lives, we cut out all the delectable bits of fat. We cut out all moments of quiet. It is in the quiet that we can appreciate all the treasures God has given us – like my baby’s pudge.

Time goes by so quickly. Kids grow up at unbelievable speeds. Relationships change and grow every day. Today is passing and can never be recaptured. Enjoy some quiet today! It only takes a few moments. Relish what God has given you. Delight in pudgy hands before they melt away.