David and I’ve been married for many years, and when I look back over our life together, I realize just how much has changed. There was a time when evenings seemed to last forever. We’d sit together talking about our dreams, laughing about something Charlie had done, or simply enjoying the quiet after a busy day. We didn’t have everything figured out, but we had each other, and somehow that was enough.
As the years have passed, our family has grown and changed right along with us. Charlie isn’t the little boy who loved sitting down for story time every evening anymore. He’s working, building his own future, and becoming the young man I’ve always prayed he would become.
Before you ask what about David he does believe in God but PRAYING isn’t something he does its what Charlie and I do. Through all the changes David and I are learning that every stage of life brings new blessings, even if they don’t always look the way we expected.
If you’ve been reading TheMommiesReviews.com for very long, you’ve probably heard me mention David more than once. He’s the one tackling honey-do projects around our townhome, helping me reach things that are just a little too high, making me smile when I’m overwhelmed, and reminding me that everything doesn’t have to be finished today. Even though I always think it needs to be. Are you like that?
Lately, though, life has looked a little different around our house. David’s work schedule has become much busier, and those longer hours have changed our daily routine. The projects around the house are taking a little longer to finish, and sometimes our conversations happen late at night instead of dinner because our schedules don’t always line up.
At first, I found myself wishing things would go back to the way they used to be when Charlie was little. Then one day I realized something important. The unfinished projects will still be there tomorrow. The dishes can wait a few more minutes. Even my never-ending to-do list isn’t nearly as important as spending a little extra time with the people I love.
Wednesday has become one of my favorite days because it’s usually David’s day off although sometimes it’s Thurssday and sometimes it’s no, day off which stinks but it helps with the bills so I try and not fuss which is hard.
We jokingly call it our date day. Sometimes we go out to lunch, or breakfast and sometimes we run errands together, and sometimes we simply enjoy being home. Those ordinary moments have become some of my favorite memories because they remind me that we don’t need expensive vacations or elaborate plans to enjoy being together.
Charlie has a busy schedule of his own these days, so it isn’t always easy to have all three of us together. When those moments do happen, I’ve learned to treasure them. Family dinners, conversations around the table, and even laughing over something silly have become reminders that time together is one of God’s greatest gifts.
One of the things marriage has taught me is love isn’t always found in grand gestures. More often, it’s found in the little things. It’s found in a fast food drink David pics up on the way home waiting on the counter for me, a hug before leaving for work, a quick [hone call during the day, or simply asking one another, “How was your day?” Those moments may seem ordinary, but years later they’re often the memories we hold closest to our hearts.
One of my favorite parts of blogging is getting to know the families who visit our little corner of the internet. Every family has different schedules, different traditions, and different challenges. By sharing our stories, we remind one another that none of us are walking through life alone.
Has your family’s routine changed over the years? How do you make time for the people you love when life gets busy? I’d love for you to share your story in the comments. You never know when your words might encourage another family that’s going through the very same season.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
