Who's there?
Banana.
Banana, who?
Knock, knock!
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana, who?
Knock, knock!
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange, who?
Orange you glad I didn't say 'Banana' again?
Do you remember this annoying little joke from childhood? I used to say 'Banana' at least five times whenever I told this joke to someone.
I can't believe anyone ever listened to me when I said, "Knock, knock!" They all knew what was coming. So why didn't they put an end to the "joke" sooner? Good sports, I guess!
So what has me thinking about annoying, repetitive things today? Uh, that would be some self-examination and a dose of conviction from the Holy Spirit.
My kids just had a five-day weekend, spent most of it inside (Since when did they start caring about it being 'too cold' outside???) and I had a hard time dealing with the noise and profuse bickering. And the dirty dishes they left sitting around. Banana.
And the trash.
Did I mention the bickering?
Banana.
I love my children. I do! But, honestly, there were several moments during their hiatus from school and responsibility (Cuz if they aren't going to school, why should they have to do anything?) when I just wanted to run away. Far, far away!
Banana.
It was like that annoying joke kept following me around and wouldn't let go.
But then, God called out, Knock, knock!
And He offered me an orange.
He reminded me these days won't last forever.
And I thanked Him!
Then the words of those who have gone before me came back to my mind. You know the words. "There will come a time when you'll miss these days."
Still not sure I believe them. Nonetheless, God used it all to remind me of the commitment I made long ago. The commitment to love my children. No matter what. Oh, I am NOT committed to loving every moment, but by the grace of God, I am determined to love my children in every moment.
Orange.
It was like He was saying, Karen, I know the noise is getting to you. Believe Me. I hear them, too! But stop for a moment. Stop looking at the bananas. There's a lovely orange over here. Your commitment to love your children. Focus on that for a while, dear one. Peace and quiet will come eventually. Right now, just trust Me to give you the grace to love them in the noise.
************************************************
And as I was writing this, do you know what I remembered? The ONLY craving I had for anything when I was pregnant with my kiddos?
Oranges!
16 comments:
WOW! Pretty powerful stuff. I loved that when you say how we commit to loving them in the moment...
SO wise!
Blessings-
Amanda
You are not the only mommy that I have heard asking when the kids were going back to school. Me? No kids. I ask when my husband is going back to work!!
Leah
I REALLY enjoyed this!
I could also relate (banana). you forgot to add all the wet clothes (banana).
A winter none of us are likely to forget (orange).
P.S. My WVB on this is dingsymo (wow)
It is hard when you are in the midst of it all to STOP and make that realization. The one that soon they will be gone. I LOVE the Trace Adkins song, "You're gonna miss this." It makes me cry EVERYTIME!! Thanks for the post...I will remember "Orange" today (plus I have a bowl of Clementines on the island to help remind me!!)
Amanda - That's because I cannot honestly say I love every moment. But I love my kids!!!
Leah - Heehee. I've asked that question at time, or two, as well. *grin*
My ADHD Me - OK, now all day I'm going to be trying to think up a definition for dingsymo. Thanks. LOL!
Jan - You're brilliant! I should put a bowl of oranges out on the counter!
Hey Karen,
You know, you're so right. There's a lot of times I feel really annoyed with my toddler, preschooler and kindergartener. They can bicker with the best! LOL But the times I remember that it won't last, that's when I handle things the best. What a great reminder! It makes such a big difference when I realize that these precious children are only little for such a short time.
Great post! I'm going to try to look for oranges today.
What a great way to look at it! I love it. You have such a way with words! And even though I do not get to send mine off to school ANY day...this is something that I must stop and do on a regular basis. And heading out to my clinics a few times a month has brought me the same sweet message from the Holy Spirit. When I was stranded in a hotel Monday night because I couldn't get home in the snow storm...I sure missed the dirty dishes and the noise and mayhem of my three teenage remaining at home. AND sure enough when I walked in the next morning the mess was there, but I listened to that still small voice and just kept smiling. It was good to be home. Bananas. Oranges! Love it! Blessings!
I'm craving an orange now myself!
Needed this reminder this morning of how quickly this time with my girls is going and will try and not get stuck on all the bananas today!
Jessica - Ahhh, in Florida it should be EASY for you to find oranges! *grin*
Leslie - Honestly, this banana/orange thing? Totally a God move. HE is the one who has a way with words!
Sorry, but I have to laugh about the mess still being there when you got home. That's just the way it goes, isn't it? No one sees the mess except us. So thankful for the Holy Spirit who gives us the grace to smile through it.
Love you!
O Mom - How 'bout this? When you get stuck on a banana, just peel it. Cuz then they become slippers! *silly grin*
You mean I shouldn't like it when the are loud and fight and hit?
Because I LOVE it! :)
Maya was just telling this joke to Brin today. How ironic! She may be you at 5 years!
Gianna - I'm not saying YOU shouldn't like it. I'm just sayin'. *grin*
Oh, my. I will have to write down the wonderful jokes Matthew used to tell when he was four or five years old. I'll have so much to share with Maya!
I love this! Isn't it amazing how God uses things like this to encourage us and help us change our perspective:)
Love ya! Heaven
I had a day where I learned a lot about my kiddos today. We were having some friend over to make ice-cream in a ziplock baggie. I made them finish their math and reading quick and then clean the house so we could bake a cake for our friends. My boys that have S.t.r.u.g.g.l.e.d. with learning since Christmas finished in 1 hour this morning. And then my 6yo told me he totally enjoyed cleaning the bathrooms more than schoolwork anyways. All because we were making a cake.
I think we'll be doing more cooking together again!
I had an orange day today...and the rest of the month had been like bananas.
Heaven - Indeed. I LOVE His creativity. *grin*
KM - Let's hear it for orange days!!!
this is a magnificent post! What a great reminder that the Lord keeps His promises and will change things up in His way and time. Love it, love it.
Hahaha! Oh Karen! I love the way you are and the words you write. God bless you dear friend. :)
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