chloé’s bonnet, 6×8 oil on canvas, (of chloé’s baby blessing ensemble)

Before music class last month, my friend Kristi, {Miss Kristi}, shared her big news with me: they had just learned that they were chosen, to adopt a sweet daughter… to be born in a few weeks!

Let me back up a bit.  One morning last Summer, we had got together in her newly finished basement, her headquarters of Music Together.  As our kiddos played together, we talked about her latest dreams.  Design dreams for her basement: colors, ideas, paintings of musical instruments on the wall, a large portrait (we called it the mural), of she and her children making music together, but the one that touched me most was the desire to adopt a third child.

You can imagine the elation I felt when she told me that dream was soon to become a reality.  Oh, how I love adoption! 

Then Kristi told me how she’d been thinking of me specifically, thinking about what it will be like for her to have three little ones at home…so close in age.  You see, she watches us in Music Class; the only crazed mom that comes with three kiddos (or at least that has taken several classes with 3).  We have a blast, yet it is hard work.  (Just ask my MIL who was completely worn-out after taking them once…I’ve vowed never to do that to her again). 

We talked candidly for a bit.  I described how the transition from 2 to 3 was not easy for me.  She laughed and said she just wanted honesty.  Wanted to know how hard it would be…how much she’ll need to slow down.

Just like all you beautiful ladies out there, Kristi is an amazing gal.  She is a beautiful mother, a talented Music Together teacher, as well as a Piano Teacher.  A balancing act of motherhood, marriage partner, teacher, and friend (among the many other hats she wears). 

Truly, it is a balancing act.  One in which, I believe our Father in Heaven is not only aware of, but I know he feels joy when we use the talents we have been given. 

I’ve been thinking about “Seasons” lately.  Yes, there is a time and a season for all things.  But there is also a balancing act of sorts, and how do we justify it all?

We know we have each been blessed with talents…that we are not to hide them in the sand…but how and when to use them?  So does he only expect us to use them during certain seasons?  I don’t believe so. 

And this is what I shared with Kristi: that I believe He expects us to use what we have been given.  That we really can “do it all”…in a way….

This is where priorities come in to play.  As we analyse the gifts we’ve been given, talents we are to use to serve our families and others, we still have to choose.  Choose what will be on our “do it all” list.  I’ve decided that there are many things I just can’t put on my list at this time.  But there are still quite a few talents I can develop right now. 

We all have a list.  And they should be different.  Here is my latest list I’ve pondered, reevaluated, and chosen:

1. motherhood
2. marriage
3. faith
4. teacher
5. chef
6. artist
7. recorder
8. friend

No, it’s not a long list.  But I’ve decided that I’m going to do it all!  At least, all that is on my list.  🙂  Doing it all doesn’t mean that I have to give 100% in every area.  That is where the Seasons and priorities play a part. 

Right now, I have three wee ones at home.  We do preschool at home.   When they are all in school, I imagine I will have more time to be an artist and keep better tabs on my friends.  This Season of my life, a couple hours a week doing art is still doing it all for me. 

Even though, I placed motherhood, marriage, & faith in #1-3, I feel they, combined, take priority #1.  Or at least, they share the same % of my time and energy.

Learning to cook from scratch is a higher priority than painting, so I’m trying to use that time to learn and create each day. 

Honestly, looking at friend at the end of my list makes me feel guilty.  I’ve not found the time to be the friend I’d like to be.  I’d love to call and chat with so many of you on a regular basis.  I just hope that a quick email or comment on your blog reminds you that I care and that though I don’t call, I do think of each of you…a lot!  Much of the mother & wife I am becoming and hope to become has been influenced by so many dear friends.

So, dear Kristi, congrats!  Congrats on sweet Annabelle, she is beautiful.  Make your list & take it to the Lord.  He will help you do all that he has asked of you, all that you have chosen, and all that you want to be as a new mother of three.

Much luv,

katrina

p.s.  Looks like we will need to do another mural here in a year or two…:)

What is on your “to do” list?  Does it change as mine does, ever so frequently with new blessings/gifts, and responsibilities?  How have Seasons effected your list?