Worthwhile

She stops me on our way out of the Farmer's Market, the first of the year.  A hand laid soft on my arm.

"I just had to tell you - you have a beautiful family."

The smile stays with me long after our short walk home, through getting the little ones fed.  It keeps popping up as I help hunt down the baseball uniform and twist her long hair up into a perfect ballerina bun.

When the 3 year old says his tummy feels funny and I pull over fast, but too late?  I can laugh a bit at it all, and say a quick prayer of thanks for the foresight of clearing the clutter out of the van earlier in the day.

The power of a positive comment carries me through bedtime.  I gather laundry and kisses and continue on working long after tucking them all in.

Folding the last load of the day, I think about it all.  How I've come to find pieces of peace here and there while taking care of my family.  How it's become enough for me.

Sometimes I wonder if people know that I'm not immune to the lure of a different life.  That I know that there is a world outside of these long, work filled days.  That I sometimes wish for a pedicure, a nice wardrobe made up of more than yoga pants and 10 year old blue jeans.  That I sometimes wish I had a nicer car or a house worthy of a spread in Better Homes and Gardens.  Second hand Birkenstocks are my work shoe of choice, but I'm not exempt from swooning over a pair of Jimmy Choos.

I know the appeal.  I'm a regular girl, just like anyone else.

I see my car that needs the windshield repaired and the house in need of paint.  I try to fit in working out and lament that it doesn't always work out in between baseball games, ballet practices, doctor appointments, bills and babies.  I see it.  I know it doesn't look ideal.

That is why a comment like the one received at the Farmer's Market sticks with me and helps me carry my head high.  When someone else sees the value in the life God has given me, I am so encouraged.  I'm reminded that this has great, eternal worth.

I may get 3 hours of sleep at night, not always get time for a shower and shop at second hand stores, but it is worth it to me.  I may not have a retirement fund, or be on track for Partner at a law firm, but I'm partnering with the God of the Universe in one of the most important vocations in the world.

Turning these dirty, crazy, noisy, messy little ones into compassionate, kind, loving, Christ-reflecting adults who will make this world better.

Is it worth it?  I tuck that last load of laundry into a basket as the clock strikes midnight and set my alarm for 6 am.  I start the dishwasher and turn out the lights.

Yes.