The Days are Long, but the Years are Short

Caroline Godin looks back at how her youngest child changed her perspective and grew her patience.

My little one has been off and on sick for a month now. My older two inherited my steel stomach but this kid, well, he’s a puker. Lucky me.

Actually, I’m not lucky; I’m blessed.

You see, I had my first two 13 months apart. Life was exciting, filled with adventure, and it flew by in a flash. All the efforts I made to make memories worked for sure, but there was no slowing down. We raced from one thing to another, projects and trips and all, cataloging everything in pictures and photo books.

And then a decade went by, just like that.

We didn’t expect the little guy. I wanted more but our lives were full and our accounts near empty. But God knew; He always knows. He had a plan.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

I forgot to look at the calendar one night. It was that simple. Baby boy.

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The little guy has his own entrance story, but suffice to say we didn’t expect him, but oh do we love him!

I would look at my older two, ten and nine, and wonder how it all happened so fast. Then I would see my tiny boy, my five-pounder, and smile. Those fussy feedings and sleepless nights were met with more patience than I afforded my older two.

I was able to see better. I could remain calm. The days are long, but the years are short, so short. Knowing how quickly it would fly by, I was able to breathe and enjoy every little quivering lip and squawk. I didn’t mind because I knew—I had experienced—how quickly it goes.

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So often I find myself having a tantrum and fussing over something that feels monumental in the moment. I cry out to God, asking for help, hoping He’ll answer me and take away my burden.

It’s not about that though. Life isn’t meant to be burden-free. We’re here to grow and learn and prepare for the Kingdom. We’re here to worship the Lord. And we’re here to guide others to Him.

The patience of God astounds me, yet I have a slight glimpse into how it works. Seeing my experience with my third in contrast to the first two, I realize that wisdom afforded me patience. How much more wise is God? And so, how much more patient is God?

He sees the whole path, not just the foggy cobbles under our feet that we fret over. He sees all the details and options and knows our hearts and the hearts of those with whom we interact. He knows.

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. (2 Pt 3:8)

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My little guy is six now, a purple belt in taekwondo, the mayor of everywhere he goes, and currently dealing with a double ear infection. I don’t stress though. He’s the family mascot, making us laugh and roll our eyes constantly.

We can’t imagine life without him. He’s wildly independent but incredibly affectionate. I’m taking my time with him. No need to plan every activity and control every detail. Life will fly by either way, so why not pause and breathe a bit? It’s okay to make memories doing nothing. It’s okay to share fewer pictures on social media.

My hope for my children is to learn to cherish the mundane moments of family life and to appreciate the things God has given us through each other. I hope to continue to grow in patience, trusting God for what might come instead of trying to control it.

Life really is a journey, but it’s not a race. It is a gift, but no fancy wrapping is needed. In its simplicity, life is beautiful, and God’s been trying to teach me that all along.

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