THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

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!

A NEVER ENDING LOVE STORY

A couple of weeks ago my father-in-law had surgery. It was a minor procedure, but when you are 86 years old, nothing seems very minor. David's parents are both 86 and have lived long, godly lives. They are still very much in love and are only whole when they are together. Mr. Haines did not want Mrs. Haines to sit at the hospital during the procedure and only allowed me to bring her when he was out of recovery and in his room. As she entered his hospital room, they both just lit up and he said "How is my girl?" She was just fine as soon as she saw that he was!

The Haines come from the generation where the man took care of the woman and the woman took care of the home and family. (I'm personally grateful that by the time my generation came along, there was more shared responsibilities at home!) My mother-in-law was the primary caretaker of the home, but she worked outside the home whenever extras were needed. They raised five children and I cannot imagine a time when there would not be a need for "extras". I have taught many young married women using the Haines as examples. In the more than 60 years of marriage, Mrs. Haines has honored and respected her husband in both word and deed. Mr. Haines has seldom started a day without first telling her how much he loved her. It is truly a love story that has no ending.

It is a great blessing to belong, if only by marriage, to the legacy they have built for their family. I'm writing today to ask myself how I'm adding to this legacy and encouraging you as you build yours.

THE BABY BOY'S DAY

Tomorrow my youngest son has a birthday. Bless his heart, all his life, the entire family has celebrated a birthday before it was his turn. And believe me, nobody liked a party more than Jordan. As each of us would take a turn celebrating our special day, Jordan would say "My birthday be May 4!" (not 4th, but 4)

Ever since we brought our youngest home, he has kept us on our toes. He climbed before he walked and he walked too early. He talked later than some because his big brother translated his "unknown tongue" way too long. Oh my goodness, once he did talk... he argued, debated and communicated his opinions perfectly! I studied nights to keep a few steps ahead of him. (He passed me up when he was in 6th grade!)


I want to share with you just a few things that make my baby so special to me.

1. He has always loved his Mom!
2. He has always stepped up to the plate to do the hard things
3. Not many fears, this one, even if he had them, he faced them
4. When circumstances demanded he move his junior year in high school, he went willingly even though he loved his school here in Houston. When I offered to stay behind with him and let him graduate, he said "No Way, I'll miss my Dad too much"
5. He never got a fair shake at his new school and it was hard... sometimes harder for his Dad and I then for him, but he stayed the course and finished strong.
6. He really is a "rocket scientist"
7. He married well.
8. He's a good Dad.
9. Last week, he called me to tell me about a man in his division that lost his job. He told me he was heart sick about it. He has compassion when it counts.
10. He loves Jesus.

I have seen many promises in scripture fulfilled for this boy. Next week is a big week for Matthew Jordan Haines. Another birthday, another graduation, another career goal reached.

We are so proud of you son. It's May 4... Happy Birthday