Although I am thrilled to look through the multitude of photos taken over the last 14 day period, my mind is on something else, so I think I will write about that instead. Truly, I can't believe I am sitting here when my eyes are literally being forced to stay open at this point of the evening. It is cold downstairs, but my trusty little space heater is working quite nicely next to me right now. I keep pushing my glasses up onto my nose as if that is going to help keep my eyes open any longer. The tv is on with original intentional plans of propping my feet up on the couch to get lost in some pointless television show, but my fingers are itching to type. Pandora and YouTube are coming on with "Banner of Love" and "Before the Morning" as the tv is muted. I did try to load pics and blog while in MS, but had technical difficulties and was unable to load any pics to mom's computer. I can't write a post without a picture!?! Did I mention that it is cold here in Minnesota? I did just get back from Mississippi; it might take a few months for my body temperature to adjust. Maybe that's why I am wearing one of three robes tonight that I have had for more than a decade and have only worn a handful of times. ;)
On my mind tonight:
Today I was totally convicted by a discussion at our MOPS group early this morning. A mom of 4 girls and Bible study leader, Janna Northrup, came to speak to our group about Carving Out Time for God during the holidays. Much like myself, Janna has a love for words and everyday moments. To hear her speak, is like eating your favorite chocolate over good conversation with your best girlfriends (which we totally did!! Thank you for the Dove treats, Vanessa. I just finished off the last 2 that I snagged at the end of the meeting!!) Janna's words have been with me all day and I can't stop perusing the notes from today's session.
- Have a passion to live intentionally!
- Invite God into our Everyday Lives
- Practice Love in your Home
- Carving out Time each day for quiet time will take determination and discipline. Now is the time to do it; this will teach your children the discipline of turning to God and seeking Him.
- Make your everyday mundane tasks a spiritual, memorable moment. (ie. vacuuming: sucking up all the yucky of your life, washing dishes: God washing away our sins every day)
- ...and the one that resonated with me most today...I am the Keeper of Joy in my Home.
So, here we were at gate G14 (or one of the G's) and my youngest son is about as pitiful as one little two year old could get...wanting to pull mama's bag but falling down (with the bag) from the weight of it. [insert fit of extra loud wailing on the floor right in front of the loading area where the gate agent stood waiting to board more than 150 people...since we were, of course, the last people off of the arriving flight.] At this point, I was not really that bothered by the sad scenerio. It wasn't until after Cooper squirmed off of my hips--while still screaming of course--and I had to carry him like a quarterback running with the precious ball across the field all the while dragging a couple of other players with him in the other hand, that I started to sweat a little. I actually had an airport employee come up to me and offer to flag down a cart to help me get to baggage claim. YES, Thank you. I patiently waited until a cart arrived, all the while thanking the girl for suggesting the service, then promptly loaded both boys and our luggage (the diaper bag, 2 carry-on suitcases, my purse, and a Christmas bag with short wooden handles) onto the airport vehicle. We had almost gotten into position and in go-mode when this rather large woman and her husband walk up and proceed to bless me out in front of more than 200 travelers and airport employees (the woman that is, not her highly embarrassed husband). Mouths dropped. The Caribou Coffee employees awkwardly stopped making coffee to watch the scenerio. This particular lady considered herself a handicap because of her size and was quite upset that I was using the service to transport my children and our bags. I have to say I took the high road on this one. I am not sure if I was so shocked over the whole situation or if I just felt so sorry for her and what an unhappy person she was, but whichever it was, I simply let her have the cart. While she impatiently stood waiting for me to de-board myself, the kids and our bags from the cart, her husband with his head down, came and quietly thanked me and apologized. Not even a thank you from her. A few seconds later when she passed us by on the moving walkway, I couldn't help but notice she was sitting in the middle row (her husband on the back seat) chatting on her cell phone completely unaware of my crying child reaching for the passing cart that he was going to get to ride on but removed from because she was in a hurry and had a right to be on the carts and we did not. (P.S. For those of you wondering, those carts are not only for handicapped individuals but also "families in need of assistance.") Anyway, it was a long and not-so-fun trek to baggage claim, but make it we did!
Exhausted as I was, I think I did ok throughout the whole traveling process. Ok, that is, until I got home. I was done. I was spent. (Have I mentioned that the boys did not sleep well during the two weeks we were down South?) I did not want to think or do or anything. Clay was so excited to come pick his family up and get us home for a delicious grand supper that he had planned for us. Let's just keep it simple and say we had different ideas of what the boys and my needs were at that time (it did not involve a grand, late evening supper and me bathing the kids while dear hubby happily cleaned in the kitchen after the delicious and filling meal he had prepared). I had Heartnotes to prepare for the following MOPS day and wanted nothing more than to run downstairs--by myself--and crank out the session newsletter and go. to. bed. Our house was not so joyous during the late night hours just before the kids were in the bed. I was tired. I was past the point of tired. I needed alone time. Badly. I needed to sit down. I needed quiet...just for a few minutes even. That did not happen. at all. Therefore, a joyful atmosphere was forfeited for a bad attitude and frustration directed towards my husband for not giving me what I wanted and needed at the time.
"I am the Keeper of Joy in my Home"...well, not last night between the hours of 6pm-8pm. Guilty as charged.
Ever had days like that? I am beyond thankful for forgiveness and for God's unfailing love and forgiveness for me every single day. I am thankful for a loving husband who cares about his family and wants nothing more than to be with us and be a part of everything that we do. How lucky am I?! I am thankful for my awesomely incredible kids who truly did amazing during our travel time...with the exception of the arrival time in the MSP airport. I am thankful for my precious MOPS group and the friendships that have formed quickly this fall. I am thankful that my Heartnotes got done last night and were just how I wanted them to be. I am thankful for the 45 minutes that I got to sit and hear Janna speak her God-breathed words of wisdom to the moms in the room. I am thankful that I planned ahead and prepared meals in advance for the supper that I delivered tonight to a new mom (cause otherwise, she would have gotten a pizza delivered to her doorstep!). I am thankful for my family and friends who love me for who I am!!! I could go on and on and on, but I just looked at the time and gasped...I am going to hurt in the morning. I think we will be heading to the gym. The sweet tea and Thanksgiving leftovers are starting to take a toll on my body. ;)
One last picture...a picture of the Wave Pool Women (my MOPS table). Such inspiring women...I feel blessed to know each of you.
*Colossians 3:17*
2 comments:
Carrie, you do an amazing job with your boys! Hang in there because it will be over and then you will wonder where the time went!! Love you four!
Thanks Aunt Laurie :)
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