It's all about tradeoffs...

Sometimes, now that I'm middle aged, I miss so much having sweet little babies around the house. I miss those sweet feet, baby breath and toothless smiles. I miss kissing the sweet spot in their necks. I miss hearing them yell "Daddy's home" and run to door to collect kisses from him. I miss smashed flowers offered up from sweaty hands.
But life I've learned is all about seasons. You could call it trade offs. Those days are gone, but when I had babies in my arms I didn't experience........

a date night with my husband on a weeknight. Wayne took me to the movies and dinner tonight. We had uninterrupted conversation at dinner, he even held my hand. He asked me about my day, and told me about his. It was all about us. Nice.

time to run every night. It's nice to have time at night to run. Just me and my ipod. I do my best problem solving when I run. These days I can get up early and get it done, or leave a noisy house and run in the quiet by myself.

sending my newly licensed daughter on errands. Don't feel like battling Walmart? No problem, send the girls. Oh by the way, drop your sister off at the orthodontist and stop by the library. I'll be taking a long hot bath.

the freedom that comes from knowing I NEVER do the dishes anymore. I don't even rinse them and put them in the dishwasher. No, that job belongs to two other people at my house.

the fun of all day shopping adventures. No worries about naps, they can go as long as me now.

Sure, I miss having babies, but you know what? This new season in my life rocks! I enjoyed every part of the young years, and I fully expect to enjoy grand babies. For today, I don't want to look back or look forward, but just live in today. Thankful for where God has brought me for this short time. After years of pouring yourself out, He lets you have a little back, and it's nice!