The end of May ushers in the last day of school across our great nation. There are proms, graduations,yearbook signings and end of the year parties. As Moms of school-age children, we all look forward to a little less structure in our daily lives (for just a little while, at least!) I haven't had school-age children for almost a decade, but I still remember my baby's last day of school.
For 16 years, I had been running back and forth from one school or another to take forgotten items to one of our two boys. It is a job, all "moms" understand. It is just one more way we "stand in the gap" for our kids. My oldest son constantly forgot something during his junior high years. The school secretary and I are still exchanging Christmas cards! In fact, I still believe he should have named his first born after her. My youngest did a much better job at remembering. However, on his last day of school an unexpected call came from him about a forgotten event. He had participated in the school's Knowledge Bowl Team and there was a lunch for them in just two hours. He needed a dress shirt, tie and slacks in less than an hour. I was in a hurry that morning for work and the last thing I had time for was pressing clothes and running to the school
In my years of "mothering" I often have said too much too quickly and had to go back and apologize. I am thankful that this time I kept silent. (Probably because he hung up before I finished speaking!) So, as I pressed those slacks and that shirt, God whispered in my heart that this was most probably my last trip up to the school with a forgotten item. Through my tears, I counted it a joy instead of a job, to run up to the school. God showed me it was a privilege rather than a duty.
I believe parenting is one of the greatest callings that one can have on their life (except perhaps grand parenting!) But even in the privilege, there are hundreds of tedious, thankless tasks. So as you endure these last days of school take time to count it all joy and hug your "blessings" this week!
3 comments:
thank you!
i needed that as the last day of kindergarten approaches - although we here in the mountains don't get out in may, but june 10!! it is easy to get caught up in what is right in front of us that needs our attention instead of looking beyond to what truly matters and will have a lasting impact on our children!!
keep speaking straight to me and maybe one day i will get it through my thick skull=0)
love you mrs johnnie!!
I consider some of God's greatest blessings to be our children. I love being a mother and I also love being a grandmother to my four grandchildren who are growing up far too fast. Kay
Thank you for this!! I really needed the reminder to count the honor I have to mother as pure joy. With 2 boys (3 if you count my man), it can be a thankless job with all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, cooking, and more cooking.
I do absolutely adore my boys and it's my honor to have been chosen to raise them!
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