A Worthy Investment

I often find myself writing about being tired and hanging in there. Saying things like “Don’t grow weary.” or, “Stay in the ring.” To me it just always seems to be the right answer to the cry of a busy mom’s heart.  I love parenting, but it can be so taxing and draining and some days it can leave me feeling so empty, exhausted and unappreciated.I want to encourage you to give all you have for these sweet precious babies (big and little). Don’t hold back! Let them know they have your heart. You will see the fruits of your labor and a huge return on your investment I promise you.This winter has found my family in a rather calm, dare I say idle season. My oldest daughter has hung up her volleyball shoes for now and is home more often, the boys are between sports and choosing not to play basketball for the first time in years and  there are no theatre rehearsals,  or carpool, or weekend tournament travels. People are here, in my kitchen, studying at the desk, playing in the yard, napping on the couch, and sharing their hearts. There’s lots of noise and laughter and dishes and shoes!We are hardly idle, we just seem to have more time.Quality timeDinner timeFamily timeDown timeTime we have longed for.Time we had sacrificed on the alter of busyness has now returned to us. Sometimes it feels awkward, like too much quantity and not enough quality. Like those first days of summer vacation where no one knows what to do because their minds and bodies are not yet relaxed.Even I don’t quite know what to do. I know I want to make the most of this season because it won’t last long. It is just that… a season. I want to capitalize on this abundance of down time because there will soon be spring sports and college visits and a new driver in training.What do they need God? How do I make the most of this down time?"I need a book… for class… tomorrow…""Tomorrow?""Yes, tomorrow?""Sigh"…As the freshman and I ran a last minute errand to Barnes and Nobles, she asked, “Do we have time to pop into that coffee shop?” and as fate would have it, we had time. We shared some coffee and treats and our thoughts. Our phones remained in the car while we talked and dreamed about the future, our friends and her deep love for Jesus. Sometimes patient quantity leads to quality. Our hearts connected because I am her person and she is mine. The love I have for her sometimes feels bigger than my whole heart.'Where two or more are gathered in his name… there He is in their midst.'My baby boy is struggling and he tells me fitting in is hard. I can see it and I can feel it and it makes my heart ache. He asked me if I would come to lunch. To tell you the truth the Grammar school lunchroom is not my favorite place but on this day, I sat with my son as we ate sub sandwiches and drank smoothies and I pretended he was the only man in the room. Like we were on a date and his stories were fascinating. I hung on his every word. I watched his heart fill with confidence and pride and joy and love. Like a birthday balloon at it’s fullest and finest. He kissed me goodbye and I watched my heart go skipping off with him back to the 4th grade classroom.Later that night there were valentines boxed to me made. Adam always wants something elaborate, which stresses me out and ends in tears for all."A rocket!""A rocket?""Yes a rocket!"“Well then look on Pinterest”After looking and looking and looking…. He decided on a basketball court and hoop and backboard.Naturally.Yes we are still talking about a 5th grade valentines box….But this year was different. He didn’t need my help. There was no whining and no melt down. He cut paper, glued details, followed instructions and had a designer box in no time. I offered assistance and opinions only to be met with“I’m good Mom…I’m good."This will be his last Valentines box and he made it all by himself. I’m not sure how my heart feels. Proud and sad and rushed I suppose. He will be off to middle school soon. As I put him to bed I marveled at how grown up he is and told him how much I adore him.Back downstairs there are brownies to be made.I burnt them.The kitchen is a mess.I am tired.But I find that late at night is when the Teen comes alive; her heart cracks open like a book and dreams begin to spill out. We looked at pictures of an orphanage in Ethiopia and talked about the possibilities of going. We talk about boys and jobs and the future that seems so scary and undefined.  Our hearts knit together as we ate burnt brownies and it turned to tomorrow too soon. My heart aches once again.I give all that I have and I ask God for more so that I can give more.I am so thankful for this season of extra time. Quantity time patiently leading to Quality.What I want you to know is this: Give all you have for these sweet precious babies. Let them know they have your heart. They will give you theirs. I PROMISE.