Joy and Sallymama–my children’s name for me–I love it when she leans on me
God has blessed me with a very full life. Because of starting out in missions, by God’s plan and design, we have been an internationally traveling family all of our children’s lives. We have seen sights and been places. (Europe, Russia, England, the Middle East, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand) and are so blessed by the many friends we have made. We love trekking on mountains in Austria, and training through big cities and drinking coffee at international cafes.
I have had the wonderful privilege of being in ministry and speaking at conferences and in famous places. It has been a privilege to write books and blogs and articles and speak in places I could never have imagined. I told Him I would be a steward. But I don’t always understand the phenomena. In crowds my shy comes out. I am just a mama, who loves home.
Yes, I have lived a varied and wonderful life and for it I am indeed grateful.
But I am the happiest when I have my sweet family all sequestered in a room together sharing life in the privacy of our own home. Just us at home. This is what I love the best, what comforts me, gives me rest .
Every morning, Joy goes in to put the tea kettle on, I am usually up, be-gowned, having a quiet time. She comes and sits in my big chair close to me and sometimes leaning on my shoulder and we talk about life, our thoughts, dreams, what the day holds, who hurt our feelings, what we feel, and then my soul is so very content. I have this sweet friend who is intertwined in a deep part of my soul–we belong together. I am deeply happy.
Joel, who has generously moved home to help us this year for the conferences to take some strain off of Clay’s back. He washes dishes and goes grocery shopping and shares in our lives. We talk and encourage each other all day long. He drives me places just so we can be together. Meeting for lunch and coffee, even though we see each other every day, we talk faith, possibilities, and all things future–marriage, teaching, redeeming culture. We do not deserve this grace that Joel has given.
In evenings, He mans up his dramatic voice as Clay, Joy and I snuggle on couches and listen as he reads us the familiar stories of the Chronicles of Narnia, and makes us giggle, on cold nights with fire burning and hot chocolate in mugs. This makes my soul smile.
Nathan shares his latest blog, his days, his auditions, his hope and dreams. We talk almost every day for long and for heart.
Sarah emails, skypes, shares the humor of Oxford, the newly discovered hikes and tea shops and I kiss the screen when our talks are ended.
These are my pleasures–what keeps me going.
Yes, God indeed had a good idea–give us a place to belong, a place to be loved, flaws, quirks and all.
Family, his idea for giving us comfort, love and soul friendship.
It is with these, my very own children and husband-this place of belonging, where I can be my real self, and closeness is the happiest I ever am.
I love the contrast you have painted between the “glamor” of travel, writing, speaking…that we can aspire to, think that that is where the impact is or the “coolness” is that counts but yet the love of home is the best place to be, especially when you have invested many years in cultivating this loving atmosphere. And it is also where it counts the most, too, and you are reaping that reward.
Okay. This lengthy. What I mean: I love this post.
I think hauling books and waiting for planes and packing suitcases and sleeping in a hotel bed probably seems more glamorous and I am very blessed to be in ministry–but as they say, there’s no place like home. Thanks for commenting.
I loved it when we were all together (except Joy and Nathan!) at Stephanie’s house and your family had to camp out in their Master bedroom. I went to sleep hearing your laughter. That was a very good thing.
thanks, Brenda. Seems like you will never get to the point of just enjoying each other as fellow friends and adults but then it happens and then everyone goes away and you appreciate them even more. Hope you are all fine. would like a cup of tea in your home and talking or maybe just sitting side by side reading with some music on.
I know we don’t know each other, but if you ever pass through the Central Valley of California, I’d love to get together for a cup of tea. I am fairly new to your blog, but I am already a huge fan. From the first time I started reading your posts, I knew that God had led me to someone who I could identify with and who is “speaking my language.” He has already used you, your family, and your words as an encouragement and inspiration in my life. Thank you!
thanks, Katie. Perhaps our paths will meet. I will do almost anything for a cup of tea!
Oh sweet Sally, this post gave me goosebumps! I am a mama who loves home and family the very most, too, and your deep enjoyment of your own children is such an encouragement and reminder that nothing else compares in this life. I am reading Narnia to my own three, and I really think reading aloud with them will someday top their most cherished memories of our family. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and ideals, so much
Sarah, You are always an encouragement to me. We must to tea some day. Have a grand evening with your sweet ones.
We love the Chronicles of Narnia on tape as we drive. At home we are working through Little Men. I have to admit I might not have discovered this great way to connect with my boys had it not been for Sally’s example. Goodnight ladies.
Sally, Thank you so much for sharing your heart with all of us. I’m encouraged every time I read your posts, and often affirmed in a thought or recent conversation I’ve had. There are many times I find myself reading your words while thinking, I was just talking about that. Your love for God and your family is so evident, real, and refreshing.
Lovely post. As always it is a great reminder to build those deep relationships now when my boys are 3, 6, and 8… so that I might enjoy them and they might have a safe-haven in the years to come. I am looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks at the Cali-Conference! What a treat for me. Can I bring you anything that might cheer your homesickness and add some warmth to your hotel room? A favorite scented candle or a bedside scone?
Oh Sally! Just reading your blog makes me want to serve and love on my family and just enjoy them! The Lord is using you mightily to encourage us women to love and serve our families. And, we thank you for that. And just to let you know, I would love to have you in our neck of the woods for a conference, and tea!
Bless you,
Carrie.
I can’t wait till my kids are only and we can talk about real things and what God is doing in their life. And I just love how your kids were involved in ministry/the mission with you all over the world. We are hoping to move our family to the 10/40 window in 5 years and are excited for our kids to have the experience of being in a different culture.
Whoops… Till my kids are older, not only.
Sally, I can appreciate you feeling most at rest when at home. Thank you for all you give at your Mom Heart Conferences. I gained so much over the weekend in Denver at your conference. I’m changed in small ways and am realizing more and more, it’s those small ways that count.
This was such an encouragement to me. We long to travel and to speak and encourage home discipleship and to see the beautiful places you have seen and we have struggled and so often wondered WHY God has not had us serve in this way (you know. . .the way WE want to and the way WE think we should. . .), but as I sit here in my soft jammies while my kids gobble up their “eggs in a hole” and my 11 year old guy wants to snuggle b/c he has a sore throat and thinks a head scratch might make it feel better I realize that I have the best things.