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Amanda Geidl's avatar

I so relate to this—to the adult children moving on in life and the pressure of extended family. I needed the reminder because I also daydream the ideal and feel the disappointment of the actual. The imperfect Something is still good and beautiful.

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Misty Whitehead's avatar

This is such perfect timing. My first of 5 kids just got married last Saturday. My youngest at home is just 5. It is such a wonderful, blessing filled time. When I allow the Lord to lead my ever changing flow of motherhood, abundant joy is found.

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Biblical Womanhood's avatar

Oh, Heather. I needed this. Thank you for being an older woman instructing younger women in the Lord. This will be saved and your phrase about an ‘imperfect something is better than nothing’ will be tucked into my heart. 💗 I’ve been really struggling lately with this— I had done REALLY well in this area, until the news came of our first grandbaby…..and recently the ache of realizing my kids and grandkids may never move back here is suffocating. Thank you for writing your heart! I wish us ‘Appalachian gals’ could have a coffee together in person one day, I feel there is so much wisdom I could soak up from you!!

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Heather @ To Sow a Seed's avatar

CONGRATS! This is going to be such a thrilling season for you!

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DeLena's avatar

The comment your husband made is so wise! I have kids in Scotland, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Mexico, and California. We never all get together. But I am working to seeing that it is okay. God blessed me with so many "full family" years, and He continues to bless.

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Heather @ To Sow a Seed's avatar

Oh, friend. I only have one international, but have some military as well. I feel for you!

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Abbe Burkholder's avatar

This is such a blessing to your children, I am sure! I have thought a lot about this lately, preparing for at least a decade from now, and I'm thankful for the way you put this into beautiful and wise words. I know you must have been working towards this way of loving your family for a very long time as what we become really is just "more of the same"--what we are practicing now is what we will become.

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Corinne Ball's avatar

The ache never goes away, in my experience. I continue to give it to God. He is faithful to comfort and walk with me when longings are not fulfilled like I want. Even more so after our oldest son died unexpectedly at age 30, leaving a wife and three children. And his firstborn died as an infant. Holidays and family get-togethers always bring tears and a deep ache and sorrow for both my husband and me. Yet we rejoice for sweet family we have with us and take comfort knowing without a doubt we will all live together in the presence of our Savior, enjoying the wonder of the new heaven and earth.

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nj's avatar

You are such a wise woman.....there is much suffering when a mother cannot let go of her 'plan'....

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