Labels: devotions, motherhood
The sun is shining. There is no rain. There doesn't seem to be a flood on the horizon and animals are not lining up 2 by 2. (The 2 cats, however, are fighting in the hallway!)
But today- it's all about me and Noah. My Noah. The most incredible 5 year old, that I know. Friday's are "our days." I've talked previously about dating my kids. Somehow- our dating tradition has taken an interesting turn with Noah. The emphasis is heavy on tradition.
On Fridays, we go to "Fridays" He seems pretty set on the idea that "Friday's" is where you MUST go on Friday. A law, rule or at least tradition not to be broken. So, nearly every week, we head out for our lunch date. I ask, each week, "Where should we go?" and he laughs. "Duh, Mom it's Fwiday! We have to go to Fwidays!" (those "w's" are not typo's he's having a little trouble with "r's" ;) Some weeks he starts asking "Is it Fwiday yet?" On Monday. (He sounds a lot like the rest of us.)
Noah's menu never varies. He starts with Fried Mac ' Cheese, (something surely thought up by the devil to inflate my thighs, especially when dipped in ranch dressing!) then moves on to pasta with sauce and "parmish" (his very informal and special word for parmesan). Rootbeer from a bottle is his extra special treat.
I have iced tea and whatever menu item my hormones call for at the moment.
After lunch we head to the "bookstore." We talk about books, read them (and more often than not) buy at least one. After that the schedule varies- we might hit a park, or head home. Usually we end up on the couch with our new books being shared.
Friday is our special day to savor together- once he's in school (soon- working on that plan) we'll simply shift our time. Traditions change with my kids needs. But the memories don't. They are forever.
In the busyness of mothering- I'm learning to pause- and enjoy. How bout you?Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Lord- I pray that you'd help me make time and number my days right... take my schedule Lord- my laundry, my housework, ministry and responsibilities.... show me and help me to take up your priorities- I love you Lord- make every moment count- amen.***Updated with pics from our day out--- it was EXTRA special- bookstore AND the park;)
Careening around the corner came a grocery cart with a toddler in the seat. Giggles met my ears long before I saw the them. Good thing- too, or I may not have made it out of the way! After jumping to a safe spot, I caught the eye of the "driver". Labels: motherhood, supporting our soldiers
He was a handsome, clean cut- looking kid. He was also standing on the back of the cart (where I always forget things- the rack) and using it like a skateboard. Shoving off the ground with one foot and coasting around the corner. A grocery store move, I'm familiar with.
He had that "Big brother making little brother giggle till- he pee's his pants" kind of look on his face. I smiled a "I'm a mom, I'm not gonna kill you for nearly nailing me with a cart, cause you're playing with you're brother" smile. It's something I've seen my kid do a number of times.... (and yelled at him for each time.)
That's when my eyes also caught sight of what he was wearing. A uniform. Deep green..... army green. This kid-this big brother playing at the grocery store- kid who could be mine, was in the service.
My heart skipped a beat. Reality knocked the wind out of me. That kid could be mine. MY KID could be preparing to go into the service. How would I feel?
Walking a few paces behind- was the mom. Our eyes met. I smiled. A sisters in motherhood smile. That kid is hers. Over the weeks since this happened- I've prayed for them both. And for the little guy left behind. Missing his big brother.
Regardless of your political view--- I ask you to think about those kids. (Ok- those adults) Those moms, wives and families. The reserves- all of the ones serving our country. Right now.
They could be yours. They could be mine- in a way they are all of ours. Our soldiers.
Let's pray for them and support them.
Dear Lord- I pray especially for that soldier in the grocery store. That you'd be with him, where ever he is. And for his mom and family... that you'd be a comfort in their struggle. I pray for the war we are in.... God I pray for those who are dying. On both sides. I pray for the Muslim Mom- her whole family in so much danger. I pray for wise leadership- and I pray for an end to the war-- I love you Lord- and ask you to be near all those involved- amen.
