A few months ago I was chasing Hudson (he was 15 months at the time) around the back of the church so I could hear mass without the rest of the congregation hearing his joyful voice. It was the normal routine: start in the pew until he was too restless, then pace the back of the church from the statue to the candles to the baptismal font, and then out behind the doors where all the other parents were standing rocking crying children or letting little ones roam. Hudson ran over to the bookshelf that displayed faith-focused books for sale and began to knock them off the shelf so he could then put them back.
It was a delightful game in his eyes, and an exhausting one in my eyes. I was in my third trimester of pregnancy and any game that involved bending down was not my favorite. There was an elderly gentleman sitting by the bookcase as Hudson loudly and gleefully sent the books crashing down. I bent down to put them back and looked up at the man apologetically, thinking he must be extremely irritated by the noise and distraction.
The man looked at me and smiled with shining eyes. "What a blessing!" he exclaimed, smiling at Hudson. "I wish I had that kind of energy again."
I was taken aback by his kindness and the joy he gleaned from Hudson.
"Yes," I smiled back at him, "Yes, he is".
What I found as annoying this man saw as a gift. It was a beautiful reminder to enjoy each season of life for what is has to offer. It is so easy to become frustrated with my kids and I
forget to appreciate their enthusiasm for life and contagious joy. There will always be challenges, but taking a step back I hear his words and am reminded of the incredible blessings my children are to me. So during this week of Thanksgiving I strive to maintain a grateful heart and count my blessings.
I give thanks for this gift of motherhood.
Can you relate?
Journey with me, pray with me, and feel free to comment.
@nfpteaching #strivinginmotherhood nfpteaching.com
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