Cherish Them While They're Young by C.C. Gevry

 

When my girls were just toddlers, I spent a good deal of time yanking my hair out and wondering when I would get time to rest. Between playdates, preschool, teaching Sunday school, and entertaining them, it never seemed to end. If I am entirely honest, there were days I resented how much time the girls demanded.

Empty nesters kept telling me to cherish these moments with the children, because they are over too soon. I laughed, well, probably snorted at them. What did they know? I had other things I wanted to do, too. What about my writing? What about the chance to socialize with people over the age of 4 every once in a while? When did I get to think about me for a change?

My feelings were a bit confusing. I had wanted to be a stay-at-home mom for so long. Why didn’t I enjoy it more?

Maybe part of it was because I had worked full-time since I was 18. Now, I finally had a chance to pursue my writing dreams and there were these little rugrats monopolizing all my time. I was in groups that kept telling me if you wanted to write, you would find the time. Heck, I was too busy trying to find time to sleep, never mind write. I struggled for many months and thought there was no way I could ever balance it all; no matter how organized I am.

That’s when God interfered.

“Knock. Knock.”

“Yes?”

“Remember me?”

“Um, yes. I teach my students about You every week in Sunday school.”

“So why aren’t you listening to yourself?”

“Huh?”

“You tell the kids God listens to their prayers. You tell them all they have to do is ask Me for help. Then you plod along frustrated and angry but never come to Me with your burdens.”

“Whoops. You have a point there.”

God turned my head that day. With His help, I found a better balance. I can’t say there aren’t hectic days. This year has been full of them. But seeking God’s peace for my life and being open to taking my direction from Him has made a huge difference.

In the years since, I’ve learned those empty nesters knew what they were talking about. My girls, now both double digits, seem to need me less and less. The little things we used to do together have gone by the wayside. Thankfully, for the most part, they have been replaced with other things, but their time spent with friends instead of family has increased. In a few years, they’ll be off to college and finding their own way in the world.

Perhaps wanting to cherish them is part of why I ended up writing for children. It certainly wasn’t my intention at the beginning of my career; but my children are a great source of inspiration for all I do. How can I turn their antics into stories youngsters will enjoy? Which of my silly moments get the greatest laughs? What zaniness in our lives can be interesting fodder for books?

Tapping into those moments reminds me how precious they are and makes me want to hold on to them even more.

 

 

C.C Gevry is a children’s author from Western Massachusetts. A Christmas Kindness is her first book with 4RV Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI. Ms. Gevry is married with two young children and a son who is married. Visit her online at http://ccgevry.com

About the book:

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

Purchase information:

4RV Publishing

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Barnes and Noble

Barnes and Noble Nook

Kobo

 

Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvW-tUyxDq8