“It goes by so fast.” I heard this advice (or would it qualify as a warning?) countless times when we had our first baby. In those days, it seemed far from my reality. The days were long, and the nights even longer. I honestly wouldn’t have minded if time would speed up, just a little.

I have a tendency to want to rush through life. You, too? I often find myself looking forward to the next milestone. It’s easy to default to rushing. But when I do, I miss what’s happening in the here and now. When I’m caught up in the hustle of “survival mode” and attempting to complete my to-do list, I miss beautiful, spontaneous moments. When I’m distracted by my phone and newsfeed, I miss the in-real-life people God has placed in my life. When I am racing to nap time as if it’s the end goal, I miss the way God is working in these long days.

Slow down, I tell myself. Slow down, log off, lighten up, say “no,” step outside, take a few deep breaths. Slow down. You won’t want to miss this.

Let’s slow down together. That’s what I’m here for: I’m not into creating false realities, but I’m into celebrating the good that is there, that’s been there all along. And sometimes we need to slow down and create a little space to find it. We need to cuddle close, breathe them in, perhaps even find their ticklish spots for a few bonus giggles. And I’ll be there, camera in hand, the whole time.

It’s amazing what we can do in that hour, you and me together. You bring your people, I’ll take care of the rest.