The Other Side of the Fence

This morning I caught sight of a post by Amy at www.thefewellhomestead.com titled The Lost Skill of Serving Your Family, you can read it here,http://www.thefewellhomestead.com/search?q=serving+your+family . As I read her post I completely connected with her premise that the act of serving your family isn’t all fun and games, sometimes it’s downright tedious, frustrating and thankless.

And yet, creating a home where we find joy in serving our family is one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon us as women & mothers.

My heartstrings were pulled at Amy's words. You see, those days, of mommydom, endless chores, seeking to put a nutritious meal on the table, keeping the kids from melting down as your husband comes dragging in the door from a crazy work week, oh yes, I remember those days.

Enjoy them.

Relish in every last second God gives you to be the mommy and wife. To do the thankless jobs like feeding the dogs, dusting (my least favorite chore), scrubbing toilets, laundry, bible studies for the kids, pressing off your husband’s work clothes, getting to the bank and still somehow, someway find it in your daily crazy schedule to grab a cuppa Joe, plop down in a comfy chair and spend a little time with Jesus.

Enjoy them.

Here's why.

I’m standing on the other side of that fence.  I'll be the first to admit that I would’ve loved back then, not have to cook one more mac & cheese dinner for an ants-in-the-pants-can’t-sit-still toddler and just be able to hide in the garage for a few moments of peace without someone screaming, “Ma! The dog just threw up.”

Right now, I miss those days.

You see, my sons are quickly inching their way out the door. Which basically means, my kids are gone more than they are at home. They’re busy with college, work, friends, and activities. Being at home with the folks is the very least of their priorities. Which makes the house a lot quieter, in fact, somewhat lonelier at times.

You wish for quiet?

I understand. 

But one day, in the blink of an eye you will have all the quiet, non-kid-crazy days you can stand and you will miss them. Your heart will ache for days gone by when the door flew open and muddy boots coming running in. You will miss being able to snuggle up on the couch with your babies and rock them in your arms until they so sweetly fall asleep and it takes every ounce of you not to squeeze them tight and kiss them tenderly on their foreheads.

Trust me, young adult sons do NOT like being kissed on the forehead by their mommas! 

Yes I'm one of those mommas. I do my best to kiss 'em and give 'em hugs and tell 'em that I love them every time I see their faces. Why? These are the babies I prayed for 5 solid years. And just like Hannah in the bible, God heard my prayers and blessed me richly. I can't thank Him enough for His love.

Those kids are the ultimate in blessings in my life. I watch as they go for their dreams, make friends and learn from mistakes and I am constantly amazed at God's goodness. Over and over the good Lord pours out His blessings for me to see in my kids. 

Do I miss the sleepless nights? No. But I do miss them calling out, “Ma, whatcha makin’ for dinner?”

You take the tough with the sweet moments, and thank the good Lord for both.

Let me encourage you ladies, take hold of those moments and realize those nights you spend reading endless Thomas the Tank Engine or Princess Fairy books, the sleepless nights caused by your little one who’s up crying with a high fever, they will pass all too quickly and you will miss them desperately. You will want to hold your baby-who’s-not-a-baby-anymore.

So give every ounce to being the mother you are called to be. Don’t live to anyone else’s standards. Set your own. Know yourself and your child and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Laugh, cry, sing, hug, rock your babies to sleep and love your little ones the best you can and absolutely relish the knowledge you’ve been given this priceless gift.

Mommas, give yourself lots of grace.

We are not called to be perfect robot-like mothers. We are humans who make mistakes and stumble in our efforts to do the right thing for our kids. It’s ok.  You’re gonna make mistakes. You’re gonna fail. So what. Say you’re sorry, ask for forgiveness and move on. Don’t waste time mentally beating yourself up. Your kids love you. God loves you and you are the mother He wants them to have.

Being loved and loving is one of life’s most precious blessings, so be the mommy you were designed to be and know, that it is enough for your kids. Love them as only you can and rest knowing that you are enough.

Finally, thank God for the answered prayers He has favored you with. Time will pass, they will grow and you will one day wish you had it to do all over again.

Standing on the other side of the fence praying for you always,