2. A Mother who is not too Busy
One of the reasons, I am rallying against my unorganized, free-spirited nature and coming up with household plans this fall is for this very reason: organization makes time. But even the most organized among us are still be busy beyond measure. There are times, I have to choose to set aside a chore or a hobby and just take the time to be with my kids. Just take time to listen.
We all know the days are fleeting. Every gray-headed (or Clairol-covered) woman reminds us that “Before you know it, they won’t be kids anymore. They’ll be up and out of the house!!” And, I must say, this hit me hard this summer. My kids just grew up so much over those hazy summer months- emotionally, spiritually, physically. It seems like they changed overnight. And I’m reminded that every day I have the choice to continue pushing through til passing out, or stopping and taking the time for them.
One of my children in particular loves to talk. She rambles but not in woods.
She gives every detail- many of which she will go back and correct because she told it wrong the first time. I can’t truly fault her for this. Being nicknamed by my family “the Mouth of the South” I suppose she comes by it naturally. But I must admit listening to a 10 minute saga that should easily be a two sentence briefing has proved difficult for me, especially after a long day at work or while I am trying to go through the checklist in my mind before or after school.
But recently the Lord has reminded me of how much He delights in my sharing of every detail of my heart. He actually calls us (His people) the apple of His eye:
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; after the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for the that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” Zec. 2:8
“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” Psalm 17:8
Though my thoughts are so small and simple compared to His, He wants to hear them. He wants me to come and pour out my heart to Him. He keeps my tears in bottle because they are so dear to His heart. (Psalm 56:8) You see, God is pretty crazy about us. And just when I think I understand how precious we are in the sight of God, He takes me deeper into His love.
And shouldn’t I follow His example? For to be a parent like Him, isn’t that the ultimate goal? So, I have made the effort to put down the dish towel, make eye contact with her, and do my best to follow and make sense of that overly decorated, ever-winding story. And I have made a shocking discovery. When I stop and focus on her and really listen, her little blue eyes light up with the most brilliant sparkle. See, to share with me means the world to her…now that is humbling- so much so that just typing it makes me catch my breath and sends a painful ache into my throat, especially when I think of the times that I have brushed her off or only halfheartedly listened as I was busy or just too tired.
Each of the three not-so-little souls in my home have a story to tell. Each needs my ear. And if I give it to them now, perhaps as those mysterious teenage years unfold, their hearts will be warm enough for the tender conversations that we will so desperately need.
So, today will I pursue another hobby or take another night off or will I pursue the hearts of my children? Will I play that game, pitch that baseball, and color that page even when I am tired? Or will I busy myself until I turn around and the times are past and my three are left with blank spaces where the warmth should be.
Today I will choose to make time for them. This is the mother I mean to be.
