Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Their Mom, Every Day

Last week Kevin, Rebecca and I travelled to Ft. Leonard Wood to see our soldier graduate from basic training. We had not seen Caleb since February, and we were just a little happy to see him.




We are not from a military background, so this is all new to us. Rebecca commented, "The base isn't at all what I thought it would be." Apparently, she didn't think there would be Starbucks on base! Caleb was not much changed. He was still a comedian, although a tired comedian. After graduation we took a drive through the rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks. Many treasured family moments have been car time. Just the four of us, no distractions, family banter, much goofiness. Car talk is the best talk. Caleb wanted to listen to country music, and we indulged him, although at one point Rebecca said, "I can feel my IQ dropping." Meanwhile, brother was able to sing all the words to the deeply meaningful song, "Red Solo Cup," something I believe his sister is still coming to terms with.

Those moments, coming fewer and farther between are treasure.

Sunday was Mother's Day and I've been thinking about motherhood and how it changes so drastically over the years. Those early years of sleeplessness and keeping my children alive in spite of their best efforts at breaking their necks and eating dirt have become something bigger. Now I wonder am I wise enough to mentor and mother these sweet children who have become adults, owning their relationships with God, making their lives meaningful in ways I never imagined at their age. I mean how do I mentor this man and this woman who are in many ways wiser and more thoughtful than me?

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:15  This. This is the only way I know.

Each morning I ask God, please make me the mom Caleb needs me to be. Please help me be the mom Rebecca needs me to be today. This has the additional benefit of pushing me into a deeper connection with God, seeking his wisdom, his love, his forgiveness. For "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23


Because this boy
Has become this man

And this girl


Has become this woman


And I want to keep being the mom they need me to be each day.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18