We had kind of a rough week here...call it the Mid-summer day's nightmare. Not really a nightmare, that just sounded cool. Anyway, the girls were kind of in a all play no work mode, which was just frustrating to me. I was really feeling like a maid and a doormat.
Today was a new day. I encouraged them to get their chores done so we could spend some time together and a trip to Barnes and Noble was also on the auction block!
The girls really came through for me. They cleaned their rooms, did their household chores, got along so well, were very helpful to me, and not one sigh, eye roll, or door slam occurred!
We had a great lunch, talked and laughed all afternoon, went for a nature walk, had a special dinner, went to the dollar store and bought ice cream treats. We talked in the van on the way home, watched "Wipeout" together and laughed until we nearly cracked up. I listened to their beautiful voices singing from the music room/office/den and it just warmed my heart. At that moment, I felt the blessing of being their mother all over again.
I had made plans to go away tonight and spend some time with ladies and I really wanted to go. After the day I spent with my girls, I just couldn't let it end. I know each moment we share is merely a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things. I may spend day after day with them, but when our time has that kind of quality, I just cherish it even more! They do too.
So, I missed out on some fun poolside chat, good snacks and great relaxation. It was another one of those days where I weigh things out carefully. Had my girls been stinkers all day, I would have gladly gone! And we all know they will be stinkers again, because that's what kids do!
Feeling torn is just part of motherhood. It's a part I've never mastered so far. If there is balance between being a mom and being me, I still don't have it down yet. I'm not one of those moms who won't get out and enjoy herself, it's just I pick and choose when I do it.
All I know is I just had a great day with my favorite girls. That I know for sure. Since I take things one day at a time, I'm just gonna go with it!
God Bless you and may you have days like this one too! (whether you're a mom or not!)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My "To- Don'ts" List
I am a list maker. I love to make lists of just about anything. To do lists, shopping lists, favorite things, etc... However, in my collection of lists, I didn't have a "To Don't" list. Well, I'm working on it as we sit here together. My mom gave me the idea when we were sitting together with our mentor, and mom mentioned she made a list of things she doesn't do anymore. I didn't ask her to elaborate, but it got me to thinking about mine. As you grow in Christ, there are things you are urged to work on or change by the Holy Spirit. These are things that just don't fit into your new self. I won't share my whole list, because I don't want anyone to see something on there that they do and think it's wrong or bad. In fact, only God cares what you do anyway, so it's really nobody's business!!
To get my point across, I will share a couple of my "To- Don'ts" from my list.
1. I don't clean my house from top to bottom every time company is coming.
2. I don't let someone's judgement of me tear me down anymore.
3. I don't stay angry as long.
4. I don't worry about things I can't change.
So, although a "To-Don't" list has it's purpose, I urge anyone reading this to instead construct a list of things they will DO.
Like this....
1. I will open the door and welcome the unexpected guest at my door, and I will smile at them!
2. I will forgive the person who is speaking ill of me and ask for God's favor on them!
3. I will give my emotions over to God and let him help me with my anger.
4. I will only do what I can do and I will do my best.
A more positive list for sure! That is key when making changes. See what you're already doing right and build on that. And one more thing, "Don't" sweat the small stuff!!
To get my point across, I will share a couple of my "To- Don'ts" from my list.
1. I don't clean my house from top to bottom every time company is coming.
2. I don't let someone's judgement of me tear me down anymore.
3. I don't stay angry as long.
4. I don't worry about things I can't change.
So, although a "To-Don't" list has it's purpose, I urge anyone reading this to instead construct a list of things they will DO.
Like this....
1. I will open the door and welcome the unexpected guest at my door, and I will smile at them!
2. I will forgive the person who is speaking ill of me and ask for God's favor on them!
3. I will give my emotions over to God and let him help me with my anger.
4. I will only do what I can do and I will do my best.
A more positive list for sure! That is key when making changes. See what you're already doing right and build on that. And one more thing, "Don't" sweat the small stuff!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Many Degrees of Success
A CMU professor stood up in front of his class on the first day and introduced himself. "I am Mr. So and So. Yes, I have PhD after my name, but DO NOT call me Dr. I am MR. So and So." Then he went on with his first question of the day. "Does everyone know what B.S. stands for?" The class snickered. Of course they did. He writes B.S. on the whiteboard and writes the common saying beside it. Then he asks if they know what M.S. stands for. Not waiting for an answer, he wrote "More of the Same" next to its initials. The class chuckled again. Then he writes PhD on his white board. Looking slyly to the class who is anxiously awaiting a clever answer, he gives it to them. "Piled higher and Deeper. Now, call me Mr."
Hearing my husband tell this story, I was so taken by it. After all, I never finished my B.S. (Bachelor of Science, in this case). I became ill and could not finish college. A little twist of fate I couldn't control. My life took me in the direction of wife and mom. I used to think that little piece of paper in the cool binder would make me feel fulfilled or important. I certainly don't discount those who earned degrees in college. Kudos to you and your hard work. However, I no longer base my worth on whether or not I finished college. Others may, such as family or friends, but I don't get caught up in their wrong thinking anymore. I used to cringe when I'd hear, "I don't see you doing this very long. You'll go back to college someday." As if being a mother could never compare to being a college graduate! Believe me, I don't work for minimum wage as a mom! It's unfair to categorize someone or criticize them for their life decisions. You may be messing with something God is trying to show them. Just back off!!
Right now, my girls need me and I need to be there for them. It is a sacrifice to be home with them and a sacrifice to work. A college degree wouldn't change that. My job is irreplaceable and I've gained knowledge I couldn't have found in the workplace. If God decides to lead me elsewhere when the majority of my mothering is through, then I will gladly follow, but I already feel important doing what I do.
Steve's degree is in a box of keepsakes somewhere, and I never hear him brag about any of his accomplishments. As his wife, I know what he's made of and what he's done. That piece of paper doesn't come close to who he is!
Be happy with where God has you and what he has in store. Don't let anyone tell you that initials after your name will make you important. Being humble will always win in the eyes of God. That is what matters!!
Hearing my husband tell this story, I was so taken by it. After all, I never finished my B.S. (Bachelor of Science, in this case). I became ill and could not finish college. A little twist of fate I couldn't control. My life took me in the direction of wife and mom. I used to think that little piece of paper in the cool binder would make me feel fulfilled or important. I certainly don't discount those who earned degrees in college. Kudos to you and your hard work. However, I no longer base my worth on whether or not I finished college. Others may, such as family or friends, but I don't get caught up in their wrong thinking anymore. I used to cringe when I'd hear, "I don't see you doing this very long. You'll go back to college someday." As if being a mother could never compare to being a college graduate! Believe me, I don't work for minimum wage as a mom! It's unfair to categorize someone or criticize them for their life decisions. You may be messing with something God is trying to show them. Just back off!!
Right now, my girls need me and I need to be there for them. It is a sacrifice to be home with them and a sacrifice to work. A college degree wouldn't change that. My job is irreplaceable and I've gained knowledge I couldn't have found in the workplace. If God decides to lead me elsewhere when the majority of my mothering is through, then I will gladly follow, but I already feel important doing what I do.
Steve's degree is in a box of keepsakes somewhere, and I never hear him brag about any of his accomplishments. As his wife, I know what he's made of and what he's done. That piece of paper doesn't come close to who he is!
Be happy with where God has you and what he has in store. Don't let anyone tell you that initials after your name will make you important. Being humble will always win in the eyes of God. That is what matters!!