Pregnancy brought such happiness, anticipation and maybe some morning sickness. We couldn't wait to meet these little bundles of joy, experience their personalities, and hold them in our arms. Although once they were born, there were fleeting moments when we wished that we didn't have to hold them 24/7. We reflected on how easy it was when they were in our tummy and we were able to use both arms concurrently. Then we looked at those beautiful eyes and angelic smiles. Those Gerber baby faces made us want to hold and love them all the more.
As they took up residence, there were bottles, burps, cuddles, coos, diapers, hugs, and MORE diapers. Then, even with advanced warning, we welcomed the toddler stage at that point they had the ability to dart in and out of crowds and now running after them was a prerequisite. Next their cooing subsided and their verbal skills begin to emerge. First it was that word, “NO.” Then they began talking sometimes so much that there were those reoccurring fleeting moments (okay, sometimes they were extended moments) when you wished for quiet time. Yet as you tucked them in at night, when all was silent and peaceful, you couldn’t help but love them even more.
The school years just flew by. Sports. Music. Scouting. Church camps. Vacation Bible School. Oh, and yes, there was school and family life. It was a wonderful and busy time. Then the conversation turned more to their friends and driving allowed them the freedom of more choices. They began to move a little further from the nest but our love for them continued to blossom.
As their teen years culminated, they possessed a wealth of accomplishments. They had blossomed into happy, healthy and wonderful young adults. Mother's Day looked different again, yet it was still wonderful from that peak.
Throughout those decades most mothers did not anticipate all of the emotions that could arise during this roller coaster ride, let alone the great range of emotions our children were capable of sharing with us on that ride (LOL). Combined we had good days and not such good ones. We met challenges and welcomed successes. We all grew in God's grace. AMEN, for God's grace!
For Mother's Day 2020, we wish all mothers a little down time if you are encountering the toddler years. Those years are hectic and exhausting days. We wish mothers extra energy if you are experiencing the school years. There are so many things for your children to absorb and it is a blast to experience it with them. We wish you peace during the empty nesting time, as your young adults journey the road of adulting.
Mother's Day is a time to be grateful for one of God's greatest blessings, CHILDREN, regardless of their stage of life or ours!
Our Sunday School lesson this week is from the book of Ruth (1:16–17). It’s the story about Ruth’s love and compassion for Naomi. Ruth wasn’t even Naomi’s daughter but they shared mutual respect and love for each other. So much so, that Ruth took care of Naomi until her death. We are so grateful to the ladies that chose to be mentors and inspirational support to lift each other up! The lesson includes crafts, snacks, games, cards and scavenger hunts!