It's a new month! Time to feature a new category in this little blog o' mine.
And for April I am choosing Motherhood Encouragement. Because I think we all need it!
So, please enjoy this entry from May 5, 2007. And feel free to click on the category link in the side bar to read more Motherhood Encouragements.
Out of the Overflow of the Heart, the Fingers Type
Starting with the lesson I learned earlier this week, and combining with a few other thoughts going on in this head of mine, I've been a lot more intentional about the way I'm responding to my kids lately.
I don't want to waste a precious moment.
Last night was movie night at our house and I sat on the couch with the boys. There were a few "scary" parts and I loved having them snuggle up closer to me. Towards the end I was quite tired, so I decided to lay down. Joshua let me put my feet on his lap, and Matthew climbed on top of me. I kind of dozed in and out, but I think the movie ended with all the problems being resolved. Just as we expected.
After the movie, Elizabeth wanted to play a new board game she received as a birthday gift. I was nearly asleep, so I planned to stay on the couch while Brian and the kids played the game.
But as I lay there, I started thinking. Am I wasting this opportunity? Why should I lay here and listen to them play? I don't want to miss these chances and regret it later. So I got up and asked if it was too late for me to join in. Of course, they welcomed me! I sat with Matthew on my lap and we played Herd Your Horses until 10:00 when it was time for everyone to go to bed.
By this time, I was really tired. The boys wanted their bedtime song sung to them, so I did that. And I tried to cherish the moment. Then I went in to say goodnight to Elizabeth and she wanted to finish a game we'd started earlier in the afternoon. I started to protest, "Honey,I'm really tired." But she looked at me (her eyes are irresistible) and I thought about what really matters, and I sat down to finish the game. (It didn't even take that long. Don't know why I felt the need to protest.) Then I kissed her and said goodnight.
And I actually slept well, and the kids were quiet when they got up this morning! That was nice.
That lesson from earlier this week, Heather, Annie, my thoughts - all are reminding me I want to live my days with purpose. I want to love my kids, and make sure they know it. I don't want to waste a moment.
So, that's on my heart today. Thanks for letting me share.
8 comments:
Your are such a good mom and your example exhorts me to be a more selfless mom. Thanks!
This really gets me.
I hate that feeling of laying in bed at night, thinking I could have done just a little bit more of something that really wasn't that big of deal, but I know would have meant the world to one of my girls. This reminds me to stop worrying about what I'm doing and just enjoy them, because it does go by all too fast!
Leslie - Oh, how many times has God used YOU to exhort ME? Love being on this journey with you.
O Mom - We need this encouragement daily, don't we!
Yes! This is great perspective! My 4-year-old son will often ask me at bedtime (after hugs and prayers), "Mom, will you lay down with me?" That means we talk about what we did that day, recite a few Bible verses, and end with high-fives, handshakes, and fist bumps (then he says "Yeah, boy!"). Some nights I'm so tired, it seems like an extra 5 minutes will surely put me out.... but shortly after closing his bedroom door, I inevitably realize that another 5 minutes won't cost me THAT much, and will mean the world to him!
Yes, Sara. You're building memories!
You are a wonderful mom, Karen. I often give in to my tiredness and pretend I don't see the disappointed looks in their eyes. But I want my kids to know I love them, and these are the ways they mostly see that love.
Angie - I give in too often, too. And then God reminds me what really matters. So thankful for His grace!
Although I don't stop by often, I think of you often :).
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