the space in between

We live very full lives… good lives… busy lives. I strive to be purposeful in making memories with my kids and instilling in them thoughtfulness and awareness to the world around them. Sometimes that creates busyness… lists for the summer, lists for Christmas break, lists for lists for lists.

This winter break, because of my c-section incision, I haven’t had the mobility to DO. I could/can only just BE.

We still have great family time. (movie nights are doable with surgical wounds!)

We still do fun activities. (tea at the Frick House; watching Daddy in his play)

Things that NEED to get done, get done.

Things I think NEED to get done, I realize are things that are really just WANT TO GET DONES. And sometimes the wants get done too (we got a Christmas tree!).

The best part of all is in the inability to DO there is a space…at first it might seem like empty space, but after some time of sitting in that space in between, the time when pain tells you it’s time to just sit and rest, in that space, you find there’s room… a lot of room –  perhaps more than making cinnamon ornaments, or doing an act of kindess every day, or making a gingerbread house, room to experience family and to just sit and think.

I realize this past spring and summer of inactivity due to morning sickness and this winter break of inactivity due to healing wounds is a gift. A break from doing. A chance to hear myself think again in a world where little hands and little hearts are in constant need of a mother hen.  And although I’m sure I will start making fun lists again (I mean, really, how can I not?) I’m grateful for this season of stillness.