Wake. Feed. Dress. Transport. Bathe. Times five kiddos. I was a childcare machine, and I do mean machine. I was a cold, unfeeling, maternal robot programmed for quick response. Our home had become an institutional parenting operation with gaping holes where loving discipline and nurture should have been. While everyone was being fed and clothed, the lack of individual attention was showing up in constant behavioral “episodes.” I had been begging God for months to either change my … [Read more...]
Six Word Story
Several years ago, blogger Rachelle Gardner challenged readers to write a six word memoir. She gave her own example: "Too much coffee? No such thing." As someone who struggles with being brief, I thought it would be a good exercise. It was, and I finally landed on these six words: "Jesus used motherhood to change me." I wouldn't have always summed it up that way though. It began with a more unfortunate six word story. I'll serve you. You serve me. See, I am a recovering religious … [Read more...]
Zooming In: On Magnifying Mirrors and Mountains
Kurt and I recently stayed in a pretty swanky hotel. We were swimming in “amenities” we didn’t even know how to use: For the safe keeping of my Walmart jewelry, there was a safe which I couldn’t open. There was also a spa and fitness room which we never found. But there was one “amenity” that was familiar. There on the bathroom vanity, towering over the travel size toiletries was a lighted, double-sided magnifying mirror. You know the kind? Where you have to lean in 3 inches from the mirror … [Read more...]
All I Want for Christmas
It came up again last week at bedtime. A gift from the past: hand print snow man ornament. “Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” I could not think of one reasonable thing to say. A few years ago Zach asked me this same question, and I was ready with a completely practical idea. “You know what I really want? A pair of really warm pajamas.” He looked at me in disbelief, and exhaled an incredulous, “Phfffffff!” My request didn’t even warrant a real word. I got … [Read more...]
Receiving the Undeserved Gift
I scrambled up to the first couch cushion and dutifully obeyed my mother’s little rhyme: “Open your hands and close your eyes and I will give you a big surprise.” Meanwhile on the middle couch cushion, long after I had settled myself, my little sister wriggled off the couch and then climbed back up again. I didn’t dare open my eyes to see the spectacle, but I could feel it. And without looking, I knew she hadn’t even closed her eyes! Now I use that little rhyme on my couch. … [Read more...]
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