These weekend features are to remind us of all of the INGs of life. The Waiting. The Being. The Saying. The Hoping. The Anything.

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about MISSING:

We packed up the family and drove to our favorite little town on the ocean where the sea lions play. With giant lattes in hand, we drove off in Larry, our ginormous van, at an hour no family of ten (with any semblance of sanity) should be out in. Three and a half hours and only one bathroom stop later we pulled up to seagulls, boats, and crisp ocean air. My soul immediately remembered what I’d been missing.

This town was one I’d fallen in love with as a teenager playing cards in a Minnie Winnie parked by the beach. And was one Jeremy and I trekked to nearly each summer starting when we were dating until we were married with just four children. I know. It’s amazing how your perspective can change.

Then the boom hit. The baby boom that is. In the month of June in the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, we were gifted with the arrival of a baby into our family. The first two through adoption and the last the old-fashioned way. Ahem. We were up to our eyeballs in babies. Don’t get me wrong, these were babies we waited for. Prayed for. Longed for. And were called to. But still — it was and is — WOW. Just wow. I have no other word for you at this moment.

Four years ago began the period in which I believed I was missing out on everything. Camping, sleep, quick trips to town, play dates, hiking, long talks on the phone, reading, exercise, quiet space to think, and rest. It was a dry spell with occasional bouts of refreshing rain that fell on me in the form of grace in times I wondered if I’d ever truly feel alive again. And if I did, would there be anything left of me?

From where I sit now with babies that are now 2, 3, and 4 years old, I can see clearly enough to understand that I was a little seed hibernating under the earth, slowly watered by this truth: growth happens underground too. There was growth. And lots of it.

So maybe I was missing out — on those things I thought I wanted. But maybe those things weren’t intended for me right then. Maybe the things you think you’re missing out on aren’t intended for you right now either. But maybe growth is. Even if underground. After all, there is no place Christ cannot reach.

Maybe we’re not really missing out — maybe we’ve just been missing the point.

That day by the sea was so good to remind me of the growth that took place underground and to be thankful for the refreshing showers that allowed me to grow.

Let us not despise the days spent involved in the mundane, dry, and dark. For one must start underground in order to spring forth to new life.

And then it’s on to the EXCITING:

Maybe it’s too hard to transition from that into this. But I need to mention that tonight is the Launch Party you local gals are invited to attend to help celebrate the launching of The Masterpiece Mom blog and podcast! We’re honored to have the chance to share a room decorated just for you and your friends, not to mention food and fun, and some encouragement for your mom hearts too.

Meet us there?

When:  Tonight from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Where: Wasilla Bible Church Coffee House — Wasilla, Alaska

Happy Weekend to you.

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Amanda Bacon

Amanda is a stay-at-home mom of eight kids and has been married for sixteen years to the most helpful man on the planet. She is an adoption advocate and encouraging voice for moms everywhere.

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Latest posts by Amanda Bacon (see all)

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