holding on with both hands
I am in danger of running out of words to describe how genuinely FUN it is to be the mom of these kids.
I’m reminded of a visit to the farm in recent months. A morning walk to the pond to “fish” with my two boys. The entire walk down we chatted about worms and books and mountains and deer tracks and the beauty of mornings and the various shades of green nature can produce.
While they fished, I read a book. I overheard their quiet enthusiasm. Their exchange about lure choices and Otto’s reverence for the manner in which the water ripples after a stiff breeze.
And I was aware (for just a few brief moments in my life) that I was living a Moment of Magic.
At some point this school year I assigned London her next novel for school – two chapters required per day.
She was reading it – unrequired – at a friend’s house. Engaged and enthralled. A novel I’d been wanting to place in her hands. One I had waited until I felt she was ready for because I value it so highly. The Hiding Place.
She finished the novel there, on a weekend. She was saddened. Appalled. Amazed. Inspired. All the big feelings.
All. The. Feelings.
We rode home in the car and we discussed this book – with mutual knowledge and shared sorrow.
She shared a quote from the author of the true story. “There are no ifs in God’s kingdom.”
And she knew that this line applied directly to her.
“I’m an ‘if’ kind of person,” she confessed.
I already knew that about my girl and now she knows it about herself. Her self-awareness was expanding and how often do you get a front row seat to that sort of revelation?
Piper stands near me in the kitchen, hands sticky in molasses cookie dough as she is rolling and shaping her culinary creation.
“Mommy,” she says softly. “I keep having an angry attitude. Can you help me with that? Can you give me a good word to help me stop my bad attitude?”
And I know she and I will both still struggle with the same attitude issues, regardless of what helpful word we land on, but there’s such a heartfelt desire to change and to figure out these poor choices she continues to make. Her heart desires help and that’s as lovely as anything I know.
I’m certain I miss moments when I am distracted and when my to-do list is careening out of control. But I trust I am catching and holding and seizing and embracing even more than I am missing.
I really don’t want to be anywhere else than right where I am.
10 Comments
Mandi Buckner
Thank you for sharing! You’re a beautiful, amazing mom soaking up your beautiful amazing kids! 🙂 I watched The Hiding Place movie this year and had not seen it since I was around London’s age. I was looking for encouragement in how people handle suffering and overcome. I gained some helpful insight and strength from the Ten Boom family.
“No pit is so deep that He (God) is not deeper still.”
“With Jesus even in our darkest moments the best remains and the very best is yet to be.”
“Some questions remain but they are not to be feared. Our Heavenly Father holds all things in His hands even our questions.”
“I’ve experienced His Presence in the deepest hell men can create.”
“Jesus gives us His Freedom.”
laceykeigley
I don’t think I have ever seen the film.
I read “Man’s Search for Meaning” once when I was looking for the same thing. Incredibly powerful stuff I walked away with.
Lana
“Mommy,” she says softly. “I keep having an angry attitude. Can you help me with that? Can you give me a good word to help me stop my bad attitude?”
Wow, just wow. I tend toward that, too. What was the word?
laceykeigley
🙂
well. the word we landed on was “peace”. not sure how effective it will be. but at least she wanted to try at that moment in time.
Lana
A very good word. I keep wondering when I will just outgrow it. I probably won’t I guess.
Tab
Beautiful truth.
Nate and I were just discussing The Hiding Place as a possible family read.
laceykeigley
Yes – it would be good.
Margie Mason
What a great place to be. You inspire me.
Sara
Precious, precious memories!
http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/gaither_vocal_band/we_have_this_moment_today-lyrics-318634.html#ixzz47UeKXn1C
Hold tight to the sound of the music of living,
Happy songs from the laughter of children at play;
Hold my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows,
Making mem’ries of what was today.
Chorus: We have this moment to hold in our hands
and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today.
You do truly have this moment….
Hold on with great joy!
laceykeigley
lovely.