I first noticed the effect my children have on me at the doctor’s office. I was in there for a stress test and my blood pressure was really high. The nurse and I had to wait 5 minutes before taking it again so we talked. She asked about my children and asked what was my favorite time. I told her it was when we were home schooling.
We would start our day with breakfast and scripture memorization. Then we would get started on chores and our studies. I tried to break up the studying with chores to keep them going. My favorite days were when we were just too tired or grumpy or stressed and we could call a writing day at the beach. We would grab the blankets and sand toys, notebooks and pens or pencils, some drinks and snacks and sunscreen.
By the time I finished telling her the story it was time to take my blood pressure again. It was very normal, almost low. She and I were very amazed.
Times with my children continue to be precious and as they get older, they are few. Many times my plans are set aside so that I can spend time with my precious family. An email or phone call with my mom or my dad (or my in-laws) is my favorite way to drive home. A surprise visit from one of my daughters who are not currently living here is cause for celebration. Usually I’m tired, but I just like to watch and listen. I do miss the days when they were here everyday.
My son still lives here and I enjoy the times quietly computing alongside him while he plays video games or studies or laughs with me at our favorite shows. He never ceases to amaze me at how his mind works or how family oriented he is. My sweet husband does work many hours and I do enjoy the times when he is home.
When I can get away from work and actually make it to my small group I enjoy the women I meet there. They are precious souls with their own joys and sorrows, triumphs and struggles. We study the bible together, pray for one another and encourage each other to keep moving.
My high school girls are few but consistent. The times with them are drawing to a close. They are reaching the end of their senior year and I’m already thinking of how to get together with them again. They have been my inspiration and treasure over the last 4 years. I don’t think they yet understand how much of a blessing they have been to me. They are truly my girls and I love them fiercely. It is my prayer that they end this year with a strong belief in God, a love for others, and a strong belief that they are loved and valuable!
Precious and few are the moments we have with each other in this life. Choose this day to forgive and to live your life joyfully making steps forward in relationships with others.
Ecclesiastes 12:6 Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.
For Kim
