While I'm tempted to be overwhelmed at times with the many little voices calling me, (and calling me, and calling me, etc.) there's something strangely special about them needing me, and only me.
Take for instance, lunchtime. Not to brag, but no one can make their lunches the way they really want them but me, the first time. While I'm no short order cook, there are certain things that just make a meal go better. Like having all your little quirks worked out. The six year old likes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut into two big triangles, apple slices with the peel on and juice in the tiger cup. On the other hand, the three year old likes a peanut butter
only sandwich, with the crusts cut off and it "left big," apple slices with the peel off, and water in the fish cup. The one year old doesn't like peanut butter sandwiches at all, (she may starve one day) she likes grapes cut in half, and little blocks of cheese and ham, and lots of milk. And then there's the three month old. She doesn't ask for much. Just my total, undivided attention every three hours.
You're probably wondering why in the world I'm blogging about my children's eating habits, but the point I'm trying to make is that while I'm making their lunches especially for them, it is also a joy for me to be there, to do this job. When I'm tempted to run away and not come back for a long, long time (at least until the baby needs feeding again) I think about these little things, and it causes me to treasure, almost savor these moments.
There is no one else who can make a lunch with as much love as a mother can; and I wouldn't want any less for my children. I wouldn't want my children calling, (and calling, and calling) to any one else but me throughout their day. For now, they have entrusted their little hearts to me, and they depend on me for comfort when they're hurt, and food when they're hungry. These are the children that God has chosen for me, and they are wonderful blessing from the Lord. He has given me this job to do, and I must do it to the best of my abilities (which He supplies) and for His glory.
No, this is not an attempt to boost my ego in any way. I know how to make their lunches, but there are some things I'm still trying to figure out, like how to contain the legos into one room of the house. This is just a meager attempt to encourage moms. It's a big job. It's a hard job. But it's not mundane. You hold much responsibility in your hand, when you seek to shepherd your children's hearts.
Sometimes it's just good to know that you're doing the right thing. Like cutting off the crusts.
