Skip to main content

Do You Love Well

I scratched it out right there upon the slate - words to live by.  But somewhere between then and nightfall I had failed every word that was written.

When your wound a bit tight, have a mess of kids, and plenty of furry creatures...it can be a recipe for disaster even on a good day.

BUT...
When the toilet is clogged...again.
The coffee maker is broken.
She's crying over math lessons.
They're bickering over whose turn it is to sweep the floor.
Kai is screaming as he watches the dog eat his favorite car.
That sweet little bundle of ours is spewing from every open cavity.
Dishes and laundry are piled high.
Chickens have grazed the garden.
The dog's footprints dust the hardwoods...10 seconds after I've scrubbed them.

Oh, yeah, dinner.  Kinda forgot about that one - soup anyone?
By evening I'm spent.
Of course, this means nothing to the toddler who has a complete and utter meltdown as I'm trying to take off his clothes and put on his pajamas.  He wants his clothes.  He likes THOSE clothes!  Even though they're caked in dirt.  And bath time...they can go to bed dirty tonight.  Right?
 

These kinds of days are a bit overwhelming and I have to admit that being loving doesn't come easy.  In fact it won't come at all unless I purposely pursue love.  Many, many times I fail.  With one foot in front of the other...I try again...reminding myself that children are a gift not a distraction.  It's my job to show them how to love well.  So, while they eat soup I eat words off the slate and ask for patience, love, and help.

Many years ago I jotted this down.  I don't know who wrote it but I needed this reminder today.  Perhaps it will encourage you to press on through the mundane and crazy as well.



If I lie in a house of spotless beauty with everything in it's place, 
but have not love, 
I am a housekeeper - not a homemaker

If I have time for waxing, polishing and decorative achievements, 
but have not love, 
my children learn of cleanliness - not Godliness

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys

Love is present through trials

Love reprimands, reproves and is responsive

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, 
then stands aside
 to let the youth walk into adulthood

Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection in my child

As a mother there is much I must teach my child, 
but the greatest of all is love.

Until then...
Jessie
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Invisible Monster

May 23, 2020, I woke to a miracle surrounding a loved one. Later, I sat in the gardens watching butterflies perch upon lavender lilacs while my Sweet Shalom giggled and chased after them. It had been a perfect day. The air was warm, but the skies overcast like a storm was about to roll in.   Life changes quickly...    The message flashed on the screen.        Wait - he's gone? Dear...I don't know what to call you, I've always wondered, with the slamming of the prison door, did you know what your choices would cost your children? Did you care?  My grandpa knew you as a kid. He was your pastor, said your parents were good people. He said you were a good kid too, but somewhere along the journey you lost your way.    You lost your way... and I was one of many that paid for your choices.      One of my last visits with you left me with a shoulder injury. The physical pain is a reminder that children should never have to v...
Post a Comment
Read more

Resurrection Cookies

I wanted to share this with y'all.  I'm not sure where this recipe/idea originated from, but a friend gave it to me many years ago.  Thanks, Mary!  Since that time it's something I've done with our children every year.  Part of our Easter celebration they look forward to - and while they're having fun cooking with mom they're also learning about the cost Jesus paid to give us the gift of salvation.  I'm sure many of you have made these before but I wanted to share for those that hadn't.  Hope y'all enjoy! Resurrection Cookies: To be made on the evening before Easter. 1 Cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites  pinch of salt 1 cup sugar zipper baggie wooden spoon tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 (this is important- don't wait until you're half done with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pesky Willow

I glanced over to see where the rasping sound was coming from only to find her wee fingers entwined within the willow.  Her Moses basket is her safe place if she's not in someones arms.  It's her comfort and security, except for the braided trunk that curves with a mind of it's own.  Somehow her hand found it's loop.  Although she hates the texture she continues to grab hold and fight with it.  Exhausting herself.  Still - she fights.  She won't win.  The handle isn't going anywhere.  Eventually I turn her the other direction where she can no longer see it.  Still - it won't be long until her arm rubs against it's rough texture.  Then the fight will begin again. I do the same thing at times.  No.  I don't fight with the handle of a basket.  I fight against circumstances, people, the past, regrets...myself.  I don't like the way it makes me feel.  Yet I keep grabbing hold and wrestling.  Exhausting ...
Post a Comment
Read more