(Caveat: Some of the following are serious…some are not…but they are my honest takes on the world and my life these days)
Honestly…this swine flu thing has me surprisingly nervous. I won’t say afraid, though if I let myself go there, it would become that. I think it has to do with the twins more than anything. I’m not worried I will catch it, but that they will. And with that, I guess I’ve officially joined the ranks of motherhood.
Honestly…I am really annoyed at the media’s coverage of the swine flu. Seriously! Could we be more overdramatic and grim about the whole thing?!? It’s not the bubonic plague, people! Surely there is SOME other news out there to mention…
Honestly…I’m struggling not to be bitter about Eric going away this weekend. The men in our church are having a retreat in Cincinnati, and I am glad he’s going. He’ll enjoy the time away with the guys, and they’ll get lots of good spiritual teaching. But really…it’s a lot left on me, who hasn’t had a break in weeks and weeks (really more like 4.5 months). And the guys in our small group decided to take of Friday and go down early to hang out just them. So now Eric will be gone even longer. There’s more that I could add here, but I won’t. Just this much gives the bitterness to good a foothold. I need a better perspective, I think.
Honestly…it’s amazing how much sunshine and a clean kitchen can make my whole day better. And how much knowing it’s supposed to rain for pretty much the next week can be slightly discouraging, even though it’s April and it’s supposed to rain in April. Oh well…I will try to be thankful that it’s warmer!
Honestly…I was wondering during last Sunday’s sermon what possible mission Christ has for me to fulfill. They always talk about letting God lead you into ministries and service through the gifts he’s given you. But my gifts and experiences seem particularly useless, or at least difficult to find uses for…especially these days when my primary role is mother of infants. I mean, I can write. I’m good at creating/critiquing arguments. I’m a good teacher (though not necessarily for children). I’m dramatic, and I can organize anything. And my spiritual gifts are teaching and administration. But where do I find a place to use those gifts/abilities? *sigh* I guess, since God wastes none of our lives, I’m stockpiling experiences for some future use. I should probably just be patient and keep praying about it…
Honestly…my new favorite show during the day is the half-hour version of Deal or No Deal that plays twice in the 4:00 hour. I never much watched the primetime version, but somehow I stumbled onto it while feeding babies recently. Some of the contestants are a bit much, but I like the game itself.
Honestly…I can’t think of anything else right now, though I know I had one or two other things to put on this list. So I guess I’ll just end. Happy Thursday!
I hear you on the swine flu thing too – esp with flying to England in 3 weeks – not worried about me just my ‘little’ man, although there isn’t much little about him. Please pray for us!
I was stressed about swine flu as well. Ben threw up two nights ago and was very congested yesterday (but no fever), and then I was feeling nautious. I even called the dr. yesterday and scheduled an appointment but then cancelled it because he didn’t have a fever (and today he is fine).
When J plays golf with friends on a sat or gets extended time to himself, I make sure to take an hour or two one night the next week to read at a coffee shop or see a movie, so i feel replenished as well. Also, when J is away overnight, I normally rent a movie and buy some snacks that I love to help me along. I can’t imagine with twins, though. phewww….
Amen to Gail’s words. They are so true. You may never know how much impact you are having within the walls of your home right now. Just know that God is using you.
@gsowell – As always, your words are helpful and well-timed. Thanks for the reminder that parenting with purpose is a much more overarching reality, even though it’s super easy to get lost in the innumerable diaper changes and daily schedule!
Unsolicited words of advice: honestly, I know exactly how it feels to have infant twins at home and wonder what my mission in the world could be, how God could use me. And a wise, wise Christian lady said, “The most important mission field God has given you is that of your own family.” She was so right. You’re a missionary of the gospel in your living room.
And yes, I know they are babies who don’t *do* anything yet, but you are setting the stage for how your family runs and interacts with one another. When you speak Scripture over them, they are learning those words. When you sing to them, they are incorporating praise as their native tongue. When you discipline (it’s coming soon, don’t doubt it!), you’re teaching the truth about sin. When you build your own faith, you’re laying the foundation of faith they will see and model themselves on.
Sure, there may be other missions. There WILL be other missions that God allows, but please don’t feel like the mommy mission is just so much feel-good talk for all of us SAHMs. It is real. It is life-changing. It is eternal. It is challenging. It is rewarding. It’s a responsibility entrusted to you, His faithful servant.
And honestly? I think you’re up for the task.