growing together

Our oldest turned eight this week. Eight!

So of course I’ve been thinking so much about how much she’s grown, how much she’s growing. All her summer dresses from last year are so short on her long legs now. She can talk through things so much more than she used to. She’s learning intermediate crafting skills. She remembers so much and initiates such good conversations. She’s learning to handle frustration and disappointment more and more. She’s gaining resilience, slowly but surely. She’s gaining knowledge as fast as a rocket. 

But in the midst of watching how she’s growing, I noticed how I also see my own growth too. 

I can handle the stresses of home life - groceries, meals, laundry, cleaning - more than I used to. I’m better at adjusting my plans last-minute. I’m better at apologizing and repairing sooner rather than later. I’m more aware of just how much my level of connection with the girls affects their emotional regulation. I’m more able to find time for things I enjoy in the midst of daily family tasks - things like preparing a teaching series for church, making myself an iced coffee, or playing the piano. 

And we’re growing together. Feeling so at home in our rhythms of relationship. Able to communicate needs and wants. Being able to figure out problema together. Enjoying so much time adventuring, reading, crafting, dreaming, singing, and talking. 

Growth. It’s a beautiful thing!