I use to be a very particular person. Everything had to be a very specific way, organized, in order, and proper. The least little deviation from my plan made me uncomfortable, unsettled and ultimately unhappy. That was life
before I became the mother of four kids.
One of the joys of having four, small children is the unexpected. One of the first things I learned early on is that the best laid plans do not usually go as one would always hope. I can remember planning birthday parties and CHRISTmas's when Dacey was very young and having such high hopes for perfection that I was almost always disappointed when something would go different than I'd wanted it. I remember the kids wanting to play outside but being in good clothes, so I couldn't just let go and let them be kids. They had to look nice for what might happen later. Ten years later I have finally gotten over myself. I have learned that it is the unexpected that most often makes for the happiest moments and best shared memories.
As I've mentioned before, earlier this year when we went to Disney World, Isaac made it a point to be kissed by each of the Disney Princesses. Jaden, on the other hand, had a much different idea of the kisses offered. "THEY HAVE COOTIES!" or "THAT'S GROSS!," he'd proclaim. So as it happened on our last full day at Disney World when Isaac was kissed by Belle, Jaden became totally grossed out. He was quick to wipe the lip prints from Isaac's face using his own shirt to accomplish his purpose. In doing so he left a great big stain on the shirt that
he was wearing! We teased Jaden afterwards that he just wanted that kiss for himself.
Not too many years ago I'd have been upset that Jaden had ruined that shirt, but not so anymore. Now every time that Jaden wears that shirt, I smile. I'm reminded of our trip to Disney and all of the memories we made. And I'm reminded of Isaac's last laugh . Not only did he get more Princess kisses that Jaden was not allowed to wipe away, but now each time Jaden wears that old, blue t-shirt, he wears a kiss from Belle too.
So this week I am thankful that not only have I lightened up over the years, but I'm also thankful for the "memories in the stains". I was reminded of our happy stains earlier this week when Isaac ruined a pair of light colored jeans rolling down a hill. While I certainly do want my children to take care of the clothes, I also am really glad that I have chilled out enough that I can just enjoy them just being kids and that even in our mistakes something good can come from it. (The stains/mistakes created the memories.)
I have had other stains in my life. Stains that did not create such good memories. I'm talking about the sins that separated me from God. Of all the things in my life that I am thankful for, I am most thankful for Jesus washing my stains away.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to wash away all my sins. Thank you for maturing me as the years have gone by and helping me to be able to see the happy memories in the stains instead of the mistakes. Thank you for sending Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Amen.
I use to be a very particular person. Everything had to be a very specific way, organized, in order, and proper. The least little deviation from my plan made me uncomfortable, unsettled and ultimately unhappy. That was life before I became the mother of four kids.
One of the joys of having four, small children is the unexpected. One of the first things I learned early on is that the best laid plans do not usually go as one would always hope. I can remember planning birthday parties and CHRISTmas's when Dacey was very young and having such high hopes for perfection that I was almost always disappointed when something would go different than I'd wanted it. I remember the kids wanting to play outside but being in good clothes, so I couldn't just let go and let them be kids. They had to look nice for what might happen later. Ten years later I have finally gotten over myself. I have learned that it is the unexpected that most often makes for the happiest moments and best shared memories.
As I've mentioned before, earlier this year when we went to Disney World, Isaac made it a point to be kissed by each of the Disney Princesses. Jaden, on the other hand, had a much different idea of the kisses offered. "THEY HAVE COOTIES!" or "THAT'S GROSS!," he'd proclaim. So as it happened on our last full day at Disney World when Isaac was kissed by Belle, Jaden became totally grossed out. He was quick to wipe the lip prints from Isaac's face using his own shirt to accomplish his purpose. In doing so he left a great big stain on the shirt that he was wearing! We teased Jaden afterwards that he just wanted that kiss for himself.
I have had other stains in my life. Stains that did not create such good memories. I'm talking about the sins that separated me from God. Of all the things in my life that I am thankful for, I am most thankful for Jesus washing my stains away.
Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to wash away all my sins. Thank you for maturing me as the years have gone by and helping me to be able to see the happy memories in the stains instead of the mistakes. Thank you for sending Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Amen.