Reason Enough
by Kym on March 27, 2007
I’ve spent a lot of time the last few weeks, pondering about my blogging life versus my life outside the view of the computer screen. Some of the other beautiful blogging babes I’ve come to know and love have shared their reflections on the same topic.
I had a moment of clarity this morning which both amazed and humbled me. I was watching my girls play this morning, smiling that contented smile that mothers around the world adorn themselves with at such moments, when a quiet voice seemed to whisper to me “They’re reason enough.”
I was startled, but joyful all in one moment. I knew that moment for what it was; an answer to prayer.
And the simple truth of that answer is so humbling. My hours spent trying to reason out whether I should cut back my time on the computer or not, and how to explain to people if I did, all seem kind of silly now. I don’t need a list of reasons, a table of pros and cons…My girls are reason enough.
What feels right to me is to put my family first, and my blogging second. Not a great leap of logic, but having one’s priorities out of whack seems to be part of the human condition, so I’m not going to beat myself up over it.
My girls are very young yet. They don’t go to school every day. They don’t play by themselves for hours at a time. Absenting myself from them is neither fair nor right. In some lights, it might be considered cruel.
Simply put, nap time now equals blogging time. I don’t know yet how this will affect my blog, or my commenting on the blogs of my dear friends. I have no idea whatsoever. But I do have some inkling, some God given glimpse into how it will affect my children.
And they’re reason enough.
19 comments
They are reason enough … and they are beautiful, too! You can tell by their sweet angelic faces that they are happy and healthy and well taken care of.
Nap time and after the kids are in bed tend to be my blogging time as well. Sometimes in the late morning after I come home from the gym, I can also sneak some time in while Cory is contently playing by himself … after all, he needs to develop some self amusement skills as well :) !!
Above all, I am so incredibly glad that you have received your answer, and that you won’t be totally leaving the blogging world. Hooray!
by An Ordinary Mom on March 27, 2007 at 7:54 pm. #
This blogging thing gives me the guilts to, you know.
I guess it is about balance, isn’t it.
There are some days when I know I hav been writing too much, and sometimes it takes me three days to get a story out, becuase I am trying my darnest to balance, but it is difficult.
The kids are reason enough, they are beautiful, like yours, and we will never again this time back.
I was just thinking last night about my cousins kids, she had hers young, 18 was the first one. Her eldest child is 15 this year – I can’t hardly believe that – where did th time go. Boy I so want to be present with them….there is definately a need for more consistent balance.
by strauss on March 27, 2007 at 8:35 pm. #
This post really hits home with me as well. I love blogging and it has become too much a fixture in my life. I hope I can balance my time better. It is so easy to forget at times that being in the room isn’t spending real time with my kids!
by Tirzah on March 27, 2007 at 11:48 pm. #
I know what you mean.
It would be so easy to let the blog take over. I just decided that I wouldn’t blog when my daughter is awake or when I have chores that need doing. (Ok- chores that really, really need doing!)
I also don’t blog when my husband is home.
This means I may only post a few times a week. Like you said, “They’re reason enough.”
by Bethany on March 28, 2007 at 2:00 am. #
You bet! Great pictures–thanks for sharing. I know your dilemma resonates with a lot of bloggers.
by compulsive writer on March 28, 2007 at 2:02 am. #
Good for you!! This is such a beautifully written post, I’m almost in tears!
I actually work from home about 2-3 hours per day, and I have a semi-strict rule that I will only work while he’s sleeping. This majorly cuts down on my me time (not to mention blogging time!) but it frees me up to not count the money I could be earning when I’m reading him the same story 100 times in a row.
Thanks for sharing this. Its such an inspiring reminder. Who knows? You may be a prophet today as that voice may have been intended for many of us…
by Catherine on March 28, 2007 at 2:14 am. #
Beautiful post, beautiful girls, and such a beautiful heart you just shared with us. I’m thanking God for naptime, for the simple fact that I would miss you very much if you left us entirely. But I’m totally in your corner and cheering you on for wanting to be “all there” for your girls while they are awake and with you. Blessings to you!
by Inkling on March 28, 2007 at 4:22 am. #
Bless you Kim. You know I struggle with this too. Balance, discipline, priorities, self-control…they are all virtues I aspire to develop.
by Julie Q. on March 28, 2007 at 4:34 am. #
Very smart..
by Burg on March 28, 2007 at 5:03 am. #
I’m having the same struggle and can so relate. This post was beautiful!
Thanks,
Laura
by org junkie on March 28, 2007 at 5:22 am. #
First, your girls are so adorable! Those dresses are really cute too.
I love what you said, they really are enough! Enjoy the extra time with your children, you’re going to have so much fun. We’ll see you around. :)
by Michelle on March 28, 2007 at 5:24 am. #
Good GRAVY on a biscuit they are absolutely beautiful!
You are very blessed indeed and I appreciate how you share your blessings with all of us.
by That Chick Over There on March 28, 2007 at 12:57 pm. #
*HUGS* I know what you mean about online time cutting into “the better part”. I applaud you for your choice and pray you will have the strength to make the change . . . change is HARD! :)
And yes, your girls are reason enough . . . give them big hugs from their “Auntie Kate” today! :)
by Kate on March 28, 2007 at 2:47 pm. #
That is very true.
I draft blog late at night and then usually post early am if I get a chance.
As for reading, well I try and read half at night and half in the am.
I never seem caught up…so I can understand how you get to that “do I cut back? crossroad.
They are adorable and yes…reason enough.
by Brown Eyed Girl on March 28, 2007 at 4:01 pm. #
Your girls are beautiful!
I think you made a very good decision! They’re only young for a short amount of time, and after that, you will be able to blog to your heart’s desire! Until then, enjoy them :)
by Happy Working Mom on March 28, 2007 at 4:55 pm. #
Good for you.
by Nic on March 28, 2007 at 6:02 pm. #
Thanks for all the positive feed back, gals, it helps more than you know. Soon going to post pics I what I did instead of curling up with the laptop yesterday.
It really made a big difference for me. Not just spending time with the girls, but being on top of other stuff as well. There’ll be more before and after pics, I’ll tell you that much. =)
by Kimberly on March 28, 2007 at 6:55 pm. #
I really struggle with this. I know I spend way too much time on the computer and am missing out on doing things with my kids, but it’s so hard to stop. I guess I really need to start getting my priorities straight.
by Kara on March 29, 2007 at 6:29 pm. #
I’d known it for a long, long time. I just had to get to the point where I was ready to accept that fact and work to change it. Getting to that point is way harder than making the change, in my opinion.
by Kimberly on March 29, 2007 at 6:44 pm. #