Thursday, May 3, 2012

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.




14 comments:

  1. Beautiful post...and what a blessing that woman at the market gave to you! Holly

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  2. This is so lovely, it made me tear up. What a high calling indeed, and it is worth it.

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  3. I love your posts. This is truly beautiful.

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  4. In tears as I read this post. Just today, I was leaving my Daughter's Eye Dr. with my family and longing hit me as I drove through an affluent shopping area. If I could just stop and buy some new clothes, or even eat at yummy bistro. I am sure a lot of moms struggle with that! Comments such as "wow, you have your hands full!" always isn't meant in love... We do serve a Mighty Lord who knows just how to provide for us and speak through others to give us the boost we need to carry on. So thankful you had that encounter! Praying we can all be encouraging to moms around us!

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    1. Yes! I just wonder if others realize that I know my clothes are old and I never have time to fix my hair, but that doesn't mean that it is always easy. Encouragement really goes a long way with me!

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  5. Beautiful! Thank you! And I just love "but I'm partnering with the God of the Universe in one of the most important vocations in the world" Never thought of it as a partnership like that. You just made my day :)

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  6. YES it is worth it. Always worth it to be giving to little ones emotionally and spiritually and praying that they become the wonderful adults you want them to be.

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  7. Miss Lydia, you certainly do have a beautiful family...and they are blessed to have a beautiful mom! God bless!

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  8. YES!! I feel exactly the same way! It is most definitely all worth it!

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  9. Absolutely wonderful post! Thank you.

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  10. Like some of the other ladies - big tears formed in my eyes as I read this. I often feel conflicted because I am a working mom but a working mom who chooses a different path than most and gave up climbing the ladder for a large pay cut so I could work reduced hours and have more time with my precious children. I employ the most god fearing amazing women ever to help me along the way so my kids are not in daycare but still I often wonder if my choices are the right ones and I pray about them often. Anyhow - the way you write is just so inspiring and most of all I love how this reminds us sensitive women that we affect other moms so much with our words. I will try even more to make this positive comments to encourage other moms in their most amazing work!!!

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    1. Ashlea - so good to hear from you! No matter what path presents itself in your life, you will feel conflicted. Sometimes I wonder if going to work and being able to give my kids a bigger house would be better...or more opportunities out of the house, etc. I think your approach is the right one: Prayer. God answers, maybe not audibly, but He will. It's a blessing to hear from you!

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  11. I love the beauty in your writing! These comments really do help magnify our souls. . . it's like hearing "you have done well faithful servant of mine."
    Blessings,
    Michelle

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