Waiting. Seems to be an inevitable part of life. Twice I was reminded of this in the past week from my little Hudson. (Hudson’s five, has Down syndrome.)
But first, Happy New Year friends! Happy 2016. Are you glad it’s finally here? Seriously, I’ve been Waiting for 2016 to arrive. (That and a few other things.) 2015 was quite a year for me and many people I know and love. A hard year.
Back to Waiting. Isn’t it interesting how we spend most of our life waiting? I mean, think about it. So much of our present life is spent in a limbo of sorts. I’m not talking about waiting at the DMV or the bank drive-thru. I’m talking about the kind where you’re pining for the next stage or thing in life. I find myself waiting and even wishing to move to the next stage, whatever that may be. And somehow in that rush, missing the present. I don’t want to do that this coming year.
Little children have a beautiful way of living in the present. Especially special-needs children. There’s no rush or pretense. A few days ago it was night time and Hudson was on his way to bed. He’s not fond of going to bed, so his daddy had carried him up the stairs. They were in the hallway on the way to brush teeth. For some reason that I can’t remember now, I was also in the upstairs hallway. Hudson comes over, loosely takes my hand. Gently leads me to my room, to my bed. So if you don’t know Hudson, he can’t communicate much verbally. There’s a lot going on inside that brain, but it just hasn’t come out. Yet. So Hudson leads me over to my bed, an expectant look on his little face. Jon watches from the hallway. And without a word, I know exactly what Hudson’s wanting. So I climb up on the bed, pull the covers up tight. And Hudson, oh my goodness he makes me smile. Toddles back to the bedroom door. Slams it shut. (In Jon’s face, mind you.) Climbs up onto the bed next to me, snuggles in close. Puts his thumb in his mouth. Yeah, Hudson’s a snuggler. And 8 o’clock wasn’t too late to sneak in a little last-minute snuggle with his mama.
There’s something precious and sweet about fully enjoying the present, living in the moment. Stopping for a snuggle. I honestly struggle with that. Living in the present moment. Seems I’m always waiting for me or a child to get to the next stage. I’ve been waiting for Hudson to talk and be ready to potty train. In the past I’ve waited to be “so tall” to ride an amusement park ride. To get to middle school, then high school. To go to college. To get married. To find the first job. To save up to buy a house. Then get pregnant. Wait nine months to have that baby. Then wait for baby to talk. To walk. To potty train. The list goes on and on. And on. That waiting. Maybe you’re waiting too. To have surgery. Recover from surgery. Meet the right person. Or have enough money to pay the bills. To travel. Or retire.
The more I think about it, waiting has probably been the biggest stage of my life. And this year I’m not wanting to rush it. Wanting to fully live life in the present. To learn contentment. With myself, my family, my boys, friends, even this blog. To fully experience life, learn the lessons that only come in the waiting. Lessons of patience. Peace. Gratitude. And contentment no matter the circumstances.
So at least twice in the past week Hudson’s been waiting.
For dinner…
And for dinner. “Must…stay…awake…’til dinner…”
This little person cracks me up. Love, love, love him.
Today I leave you with this excerpt from the poem Gate of the Year by Minnie Louise Haskins in anticipation of the coming year. Written in 1908, it was later given by then Princess Elizabeth to her father King George VI, who used it in his address to the British Empire in 1939 at a tumultuous time in England and history. This poem inspired many around the world and inspires me today in 2016.
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
Wishing you light at the break of day. And peace, joy and contentment in the Waiting of the coming year, my friends. XO
Top 5 viewed THLG musing posts of 2015, in order:
#4 Hudson & the Little Yellow School Bus
#5 Nearly
Eva says
Wonderful post Allie! Little Hudson know the real life and the real valeurs! xoxo
Allie says
Dear Eva, thank you friend. Life is a journey, no? So grateful to have met you along the way. xo and Happy New Year!
Lori Robertson says
Oh the waiting…the pain and the joy of it. Allow, your perspective is a gift to every reader. The truths discovered here, both simple and complex have resonated with each heart that dares to listen. It is in the waiting that we learn the truth of, “peace, be still”! However, it is often the case that my own waiting has come with a louder, feet-stomping, WHY LORD? How beautiful it is that God knows us and our yearnings intimately enough that He can hold us no mater what the condition of our waiting is. He is good and in the waiting we are given a more vivid picture of our Creator and our circumstances in perfect harmony. Thank you for this beautiful post…it touched my heart deeply.
Lori Robertson says
That second line should say Allie, not allow…silly auto correct. Ha
Allie says
Dear Lori, thank you for the very kind words. If there’s anyone knows about waiting patiently and graciously, it is you. I respect you for the joy you radiate as you wait. XO
Simone says
Great perspective, Allie. Oh! how I too need to stop…and enjoy the flowers that are all around us, each and every day. Your Hudson is one of those precious flowers!
And by the way, that pizza looks amazing!
Allie says
Many thanks friend. Yes, Hudson is one of those little flowers. 🙂 The pizza is listed as Homemade Pizza in the recipe index on the blog and comes from Italian friends of ours in Rhode Island, the Cannistraci family. I’ve seriously been making this pizza recipe since I was about 10.(!)
Marilyn Sylvester says
Such a good reminder for all of us! Thank you Allie! I loved that poem too. I checked out the full version and learned that the title originally given this peon by the author is “God Knows.” Of course, He always does!
Allie says
Thank you friend. And Happy New Year! Yes, the poem has more to it and rest of it is posted in a comment below. xo
Denise Q. says
One of my favorite things to do is sit in my chair in the mooring, looking out my window with a nice cup of tea and reading your blog. Happy New Year!
Allie says
You don’t know how happy that makes me, Denise. I always dreamed that’s the way it would happen, people would settle in with a cup of tea and read my blog. But seems most people are too busy for even that these days. Happy New Year, friend!
Denise says
I actually don’t have a mooring, I don’t even have a boat. I do sit in the morning though! haha!
Allie says
Oh you make me laugh. I could’ve corrected that Denise, but thought perhaps you had been concealing the fact you had a boat all along. And wondered why I’d never been invited for a sail….
nancy mcmahan says
Allie, you have such a beautiful way with words , reaching to the very core of my heart. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Allie says
Thank you so much Nancy, wishing you and yours a blessed New Year ahead in 2016! You’re one of the wonderful friends I met in 2015. xo
Ruth Anne fuller says
Our pastor’s advent sermon series was on ‘waiting’. I just sent him your blog…so fitting.
Have a Happy, Healthy Grace-Filled 2016…xoxo….RA
Allie says
Timing is everything, huh? Thanks for sharing the post Ruth Anne, and wishing you and Herb and all the family an excellent year in 2016!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
What a beautiful story about Hudson! I love that he made you take the time for an extra snuggle. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle we forget to take a few minutes to just stop….and snuggle!
Happy New Year!
Allie says
Thank you friend, and Happy New Year to you and your family also!
Aunt Pinkie says
Oh, Allie-lovely! Thanks so much for your musings -love them!
Allie says
Thank you Aunt Pinkie! xo
Linda Jenkins says
What powerful message. Personally, it resonates with me, for I am just learning to wait patiently. I am so eager to dive in and fix a situation or eradicate it all together. In reality, it is the patient waiting that brings the most memorable moments. I resolve this year ignore the dust in my condo and, instead, crochet, read, or listen to music. As you mentioned, it is only when we do those things that truly understand and enjoy the marvelous journey God has created for us. Cheers for the new year and to living in the moment.
Allie says
So we’re learning patience together, Linda. I’m going to ignore dust too. The problem is, I’ve been doing that for some time. And I have a significant dust allergy. Time for some Claritin. And perhaps there’s a maid out there who’d love to come and take care of it for me. Like every week. A girl can dream… Happy New Year to you and Jack! xo
Mandi Korn says
What a wonderful post, and let me know how it goes. I have been telling myself the same thing over and over and for some reason I still cannot wait to rush to the next stage either. Living in the present is so hard, but you are wonderful enough to realize that and enjoy the moments like the one Hudson gave you the other night.
Allie says
Thank you Mandi, I so enjoy your posts also and have no doubt you and Boo are living in the moment often. Happy New Year!
Sallie Eisengrein says
Thank you for the timely reminder!
Allie says
Thanks for dropping by Sallie. Loved the pic. of your beautiful growing family, thank you. xoxo
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Allie – This is such a wonderful post. Happy New Year! I’m also looking forward to 2016. I’ve shed a few friendships within the last year, but it definitely was for the better. I’m excited to see what 2016 has to bring with my relationship, my job, and the blog. To new adventures! 🙂
Allie says
Thanks for the kind words. friend. I know you’ve had an incredibly busy year. Understatement, right? Yes, cheers to a new year and new adventures in 2016!
Susie Mandel says
Thank you, Allie. Once again, this spoke to me. I didn’t read this post earlier in the day for some reason but now I know why. I was in a grumbly, mumbly mood a little bit ago and needed to read your words to remind me that waiting is part of life and okay and part of Someone’s perfect timing. Love you!!
Allie says
So Soozzzzz….yeah that’s you. I have to refrain from writing here when I’m in that kind of a funk. It happens, like other things. I’m thinking about you as you’re waiting, working through the medical/insurance maze this week. Praying you’ll be successful and still have your sanity. xo
Carina says
What a heart-warming post – I absolutely loved it. The pictues were great! (Especially the one where Hudson is sleeping…Priceless!) How wise of you to recognize that enjoying the process, the experience unfolding as you wait, enriches life. And yes… Agreed – Cheers to 2016!
Allie says
Thanks Carina. Cheers to 2016 and enjoying the process and new adventures ahead. Look forward to your posts and hearing about the goings on and thoughts from Winnipeg! xo
Dianne says
A great way to start the year. Love it!
Allie says
Thank you friend. All our love to you and B, and prayers for a joyful and healthy 2016 ahead. xo
Karyn Hopper says
I’ve found that’s one of the hardest places…the waiting place.
I want instant answers and solutions.
Loved the poem at the end of your post. I think I will print it and put it on my dresser!
Allie says
Hi HH, I agree. Waiting is the hardest place to be. Love that poem too. Minnie was one insightful lady. Here’s the rest of it for your dresser:
“So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.
God knows. His will
Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.
Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill.”
Happy New Year, friend. Hope our paths collide (gently) this year. Miss you. xo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Happy New Year, Allie! I know we both had a crap 2015, and when the ball dropped to ring in 2016 I toasted to you and a 2016 that is nothing short of fabulous!! I always love your musings and posts from the heart! Waiting does take up a lot of our life, huh? I never stopped to think about that, but you are completely right. I need to follow your lead – stop and live in the moment and the now more often. Your story about Hudson wanting a cuddle session ALONE with his mama was SO cute!! He is such a precious little boy, my dear! Cheers, sweets – to a great new year for you and your family! xoxo
Allie says
You’re a very gracious person Chey, and I always appreciate your kind words and encouragement along the way. I know we’re in different circumstances and parts of the country, but especially , and maybe because of that, it gives me joy that we’re able to connect and be part of each other’s life. I love your beautiful blog. And resonate with your honesty and transparency. It’s been a year (bleh) and I’m glad it’s over, but cheers and hopes for a wonderful year ahead for you and Boy at the Subourbon Country Cottage….(did I get the name right?) xoxo
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
My mom used to always tell me “In another year it will be much easier” (my boys are 15 months apart) and I seemed to realize that her way of thinking was wishing the time away. I had had a successful career and had my first at 35 so I really didn’t want to rush it.
We all need to learn to enjoy the stage of life we are in because it changes quickly.
Have a really enjoyable 2016 🙂
Allie says
Yes Karen, that’s exactly what I don’t want to do….wish the years away. And then wonder later how I missed it all. I want to experience it, feel it and be content in it. Even the hard stuff. xo
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
What a beautiful poem, and what a heartfelt post Allie! I, too, struggle with always wanting to get on to the next thing. I constantly have to bring myself back to a place of contentment and gratitude in God and God alone. Hoping this year you will be able to live and appreciate every present moment. Praying for you! XOXO So glad I found your blog!
Allie says
Dear Lauren, thanks so much for dropping by today. Also your kind and gracious words. Every time I read that poem I get just a little misty-eyed. It means (and has through the years) meant a great deal to me: trust without sight. Now we see through a glass darkly. So glad it spoke to you too. I love meeting new like-minded friends, one of the joys of the blogging world. I look forward to visiting your site and getting to know you. xo
Karla says
What sweet pictures. They made me smile…and laugh (couldn’t help myself with the dinner table photo)! This is such a great post, Allie. We always seem to look for “the next thing” to happen and when I look back, I think “what was the big rush?” As a parent with a special needs child there are times I feel I need to work hard and give that extra encouragement to Ethan so he can get to that next place…which is what we do! In all that busyness and determination, he often reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moment. I still get my snuggles too. Aren’t those the best? I hope you and your family have a blessed and happy new year! I look forward to reading about all that it brings here on the blog!
Allie says
I know, wasn’t that picture a scream Karla. Jon found him in the dining room just as I was finishing up preparing dinner in the kitchen. Hudson didn’t wake up to eat that night either, he was carried up to bed and stayed asleep… Thanks for the kind words. It’s good for me to write things out because then I have a tangible reminder about the joys of slowing down and stopping to enjoy the quiet moments. I tend to be a “busy” person and Hudson joining our family has really slowed my pace. In a good way. I know you understand exactly what I’m talking about. Happy New Year, so enjoy your blog. And look forward to all the 2016 Small Town Rambler projects to come!