Mother's Day Weekend

Sometimes less really is more.  I love the weekends that the calendar box sits empty.  Empty equals opportunity.  It just does.  That is what this weekend felt like which really was a Mother's Day gift in deed!  I wanted to take mom to a local wine shop for a Mother's Day Event.  I had no idea we would be the only ones in there for the entire three hours.  It was so nice and relaxing!  At one point Alan joined us and then dad, followed by Steve and Karvel who happened to be walking to the place next door.  We couldn't have planned it any better. . .well, maybe if we had Ernie could have been there too, but he was a good sport telling me to take my time and enjoy it.  I definitely took him up on that one!

Sunday began with church and an impromptu breakfast my littlest brother picked up.  Again, totally last minute but absolutely perfect!  Mom and I caught up on season three Downton and rested while the guys hung shutters or something of the sort.  Dinner meant mom's house where Ernie barbecued for us.  It was probably one of our simpler meals there since mom is the queen of party planning, yet she wanted a break. . .but it was a beautiful reminder that yes, sometimes less is more.  Absolutely.

 Life is swirling with end of the year activity in these parts.  Lene's production is one week away, Open Houses, friends facing marriage issues, and friends facing cancer.  Hard stuff, but brutiful stuff nonetheless.  I'm growing and stretching and reaching as I look for ways to be His hands and feet.  To walk this road with the hurting and sick when my life is seemingly "good" is hard sometimes.  But then I remember the dark days that came before and I thank God for the light.  I thank Him for the life of my mom who is still here to celebrate Mother's Day with me eight years later. I still need her.  I'm not done learning.  A Mother's Day gift in deed.

And then there is all the other "stuff" we've been up to in the almost two weeks since I last logged on.  I abhor that word--I never would let my eighth graders use it in their writing and here I am using it--for lack of a better word.  Eek!  I've been horrible about pulling out my "big girl camera" lately--the iphone has become my constant companion to capture life and all the joy that comes from it.  I am pondering retirement, I think there are only seventeen working days left for my dad. Years ago, I would have been interviewing for his spot and walking into the counselor realm of education.  Now I wonder if I will ever cross that bridge because I've tasted life on the other side--long, tiring days with my kids. . .but filled with unexpected moments of pure, unadulterated joy.  Being a mom completes me.  But what of my dad's last working days?   What will that opportunity afford him?  Should I wait for that moment to do some of the things I'd love to do. . .because what if that moment never comes.  I'm about as semi-retired as it gets.  If I had to walk away to be able to mother my kids I would.  My planet has tilted on its axis as I've let go and let God.  He has literally opened doors and provided this opportunity where I was able to see what motherhood means for me.

Key words, "for me."  My mothering experience may not look like my neighbor's or friends or family members.  Their vision for their family may be very different than mine.  I am perfectly content "just being a mom," because I know that NO OTHER JOB EXISTS FOR ME.

Motherhood.  Mother's day. Being a mom.  My ultimate and best versions of myself are because God gifted me these children.  Every day is an adventure.  Every day is filled with a struggle or two or ten.  But every day is extraordinary!  God bless mamas everywhere!