Bedtime

I don’t think there is anything in parenthood for me that is more precious and also more laborious than bedtime. After being at work all day I immediately jump in as best as I can to help with the kids, and it always seems that the sweet release of bedtime cannot come quickly enough. Real talk: I just want to get the kids to sleep so that I can selfishly stare at my phone or watch TV. There is nothing honorable in my desire to get them to bed quickly, and honestly, Kristen does most of the work anyway. However, in the same moment I find myself wanting to rush through the bedtime routine, I also feel a sincere desire to try and savor this daily ritual.

Using the potty, bath time, putting on diapers and pjs, combing hair, brushing teeth, reading books, running down the hall (twice- every night!), praying, and what seems like a million other little things are what I like to call cherished chores. I’m positive that in just a few years I won’t be needed for bedtime, and in this moment, that sounds awesome. And while I don’t see myself weeping every evening as my kids say “goodnight” and run up the stairs to shower and hop in bed, I don’t doubt that on occasion I will remember the bedtime moments we’re experiencing now with a great deal of appreciation and nostalgia. Scripture says that Mary was “treasuring up all these things in her heart” about the early life of Jesus, and I never considered myself to be sentimental, but dang it if these sweet babies aren’t giving this Tin Man a heart. I am treasuring up all these bedtime things and more.- J