Happy Mother’s Day:Random Thoughts

You know, it is amazing. I have eight kids and because of that people tend to seek me out for parenting advice.  It is flattering, but humbling too; I worry that I will steer them in the wrong direction, or that I will sound proud and full of myself.

My kids are the kids that you see playing with their sibs because they want to.  They are the kids that run out to the car to carry in the groceries without being asked.  They are the kids that visit elderly neighbors weekly, bake the neighbors cookies, and offer to help fix fences.  One is about to be home for the first time in two years.  A few weeks here and then three years in Japan.  He has just re-enlisted in the Air Force.  I have a son that is planning on moving to Africa to do missions.  He is 16 this year, and soon that will be a reality for him..and for Marc and I.  My kids often get complimented when we are out on their  behavior.  Marc and I often are told how lucky we are to have so many children that are so well behaved.  We know.  But it didn’t come without a price.  There was consistent discipline involved.  Umm…there IS consistent discipline involved.

My kids struggle with math, they sometimes split infinitives, and sometimes they question our authority, sometimes they yell.  Often they leave messes around the house.  I used to get very frustrated with the messes because I am naturally an organized cleanie (or I used ot be) until a friend pointed out Proverbs 14:4, Where there are no oxen the stable is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest . 

True.  Some day all of them will be moved out.  Maybe. Considering my eldest just moved back in with her 2 kids and husband perhaps not.    Anyway..Someday they will be gone. On to their own lives, and changing the world in their own way.  Hopefully fulfilling their destinies.  The house will echo with silence and I will be able to have the last of the ice cream if Marc doesn’t get it first. Messes will be a thing of the past, but so will warm, sleepy cuddles, and bouquets of dandelion and dogtooth violets.  The stable will be empty.

I am blessed with an abundant harvest today. A harvest of kisses and hugs, a harvest of pictures on the fridge, a harvest of birds’ nests, egg shell fragments, quartz, fossils, and even the scull of a ‘possum.  In the china cabinet…in my parlor. It is our natural history museum.

Someday it will hold my depression glass collection, maybe some Cybis, and definitely the sage green (or maybe black}  Wedgwood. Now it is part of my harvest.

While some women my age may be going thorugh mid-life crisis I don’t have time.  I know what my job description is, I know what my purpose is and I get to do it every day. 24/7. SuperMom, able to leap tall piles of legos in a single bound.  Able to stop a speeding toddler with just one look from…the eye.   Mild mannered Mom by day, able to turn into a Penthouse covergirl at night (if the lights are really low, and husband’s vision a little blurry..a couple of drinks might help too)…It’s SuperMom.

Mother’s Day is different for me in this season.  My own mom is gone and there is no-one for me to say it to.   I plan to email the woman that has most impacted my life spiritually and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day, with my thanks..but there is noone that i can hug and say, Thanks Mom.

A couple of years ago I was a sandwich.  You know, caught between kids and aging parents.  It was tough, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming.  My mom lived with us until her death and required a lot of care. And the times that she was cranky and hard to get along with, and snapped at me..and told me I didn’t love her?  I remembered similar words pouring from my own mouth as a teen.  For many of the same reasons.  The word “No.” comes to mind.

The last, and best thing that my mother taught me was that life ends.  Seasons end. Childhood ends.  But love never does.

Thanks Mom.

Thanks kids.

Thanks Marc.

Most of all, thank You, Lord.

Images:MaryeAudet

Content:Marye Audet for Baking Delights