Joy said, “Mom, show me a stress face.”
A few years ago, we fell into bed as we returned home from 4 national conferences. Suitcases full of dirty clothes, mail piled high, a general disarray in our home. I, with tear filled eyes, simpered into the den where my children were lounging on couches and said, “We have to get this house cleaned up. I know it will take a lot of work and none of us feel like it, but it’s got to be done.”
6′-5″, gentle Joel, put his arm around my shoulders gently and said, “Mom, we know the routine. We can get it cleaned up and then it will just get messy again and then we will clean it up again. But when you are sad, we feel guilty. So lighten up, Mom, and we can all be happy, cause when you are happy we feel good, and we will still get it all done.”
How true. Lighten up. It isn’t that big of a deal. Practicing celebrating life, putting on loud music while cleaning, choosing to smile and laugh and be gentle and asking forgiveness if it was blown–all in the life of a house full of sweet sinful, flawed, but darling people. As Joel says, it is all just going to happen again.
And so, these many years later, I still need to remember his admonition, even though he isn’t here.
Today I have, done a whole year of business expenses to turn in for reimbursement; arranged for 3 medical tests to be ordered; selected graduation invitations for Joel and Joy, both graduating; helped Sarah arrange a trip coming up and figure out the places and how to pay for it; taken Joy to the Community College to take an accuplacer test–(Please Lord, help her at this moment to get all the answers right!), stopped for a mug of coffee at my local favorite place, (Wesley Owens), put together a packing list for Saturday when we leave for a trip early in the morning; and still have lots I have not gotten to………..
Tomorrow is Joy’s graduation banquet for her and all of her friends where I will work and then we will go together on a plane the next day, so I can have my own graduation weekend just with her.
But God prompted me to stop and look at what is obvious–4 children who love us and love the Lord, a long-suffering husband, plenty to eat, a warm bed (I love my bed), His presence and knowledge of HIs love and Fatherhood and desire to take care of me; a beautiful spring day and ability to see the snow-covered mountains as I take my daily 2 mile walk.
When I stand back to make a list of all the ways I am blessed, my heart eases and my spirit fills with gratefulness–but I needed that moment to consider, to count my blessings over my cup of coffee–it was essential.
And so, the rest of the day, I will “lighten up” in order to make it through it all with grace. Hope you are all faring well and enjoying this spring day.
Thanks for your patience with me and all of you who are praying. I so appreciate you and love you with all of my heart!
Ah, dear Sally,
Had my own crazy, frustrating week. Topped it off about 1 a.m. today by NOT hitting save as on a round of revisions I’d just finished for my editor, so all my work disappeared into the depths of the evil computer. Should be rewriting at this moment, but knew taking time to pop over here would be worth the delay. I wasn’t disappointed. I, too, have four amazing children who love the Lord and love me. Last time I was outside the birds were still singing their happy spring songs and purple crocus were popping up in my flower bed. Thank you for the gentle inspiration this morning, for the little tears that cleansed as they pooled in my eyes, for the reminder of God and His goodness. May your trip be amazing.
Sally-
May the Lord bless you through this season of trial and celebration!!! Doesn’t it always seem to go hand and hand? All life long… You and your sweet ones are loved and prayed for!
This was so timely, especially with our daughter taking the Accuplacer exam in a couple of weeks. I recently blogged about accepting that I cannot do it all, and reading your blog was that gentle reminder that I needed regarding the priorities of each day. Thanks for sharing, and for your transparency.
Thanks! I needed to be reminded to lighten up today.
Busy day for you! Thanks for taking the time to write for us, as I dare say most of us needed Joel’s admonition, too.
Hi Sally, thanks for your poignant words about lightening up. When seasons of life feel overwhelming, we can bless ourselves and others with laughter.
Our families DO know the drills! They just know how to relax AND how to work–when it’s time!
How great to hear about Joy! I loved being there for Sarah’s graduation. I know this will be a highlight of her life.
May the joy of the Lord be her strength–and yours!
Love,
Tina
Sally,
I love the photo! ;o) Boy don’t we all have those days once in a while. After speaking with a loved one over the phone who is really going through some trying times, I got off the phone and thanked the Lord for His grace and mercy in my family. Even though we have those down days occasionally isn’t it wonderful to know we have a close friend to take it all to in prayer. Stress is not from Him. Thankfulness brings that peace and joy. And a cup of coffee always helps! ;o)
Oh Sally, I feel like God has been reminding me of that so much lately. A move in November, the holidays, bed rest for seven weeks and then a newborn baby and pressure to “keep up” with home school and the house and everything in life. Oh, how faithful our Lord is to remind us to “chill out” and enjoy life even in the midst of the “need-to-do’s”. Love you and praying for you, Charise
Mrs. Clarkson,
I just want you to know that even as a young woman, you are planing seeds of joy and contentment in my life that I think will resurface with my own mothering experience down the road. I am so thankful for your heart and ministry! I already know they have impacted my motherhood, even though that time is a few steps down the road. Thank you
Jamie
Love you all. so great to read your comments.
Oh Sally, you know some of those days when you feel confused with all other kind of external messages and influences. Then last night I decided to take the time and read a little bid before finally resting my head in the pillow. And well I came across precisely to the passage you described in your blog today at the Mission of Motherhood, when you talk about serving. Interesting I had read these passages before, but they were really meaningful for me now. Praying for you,
Sally, You have been such an encouragement. I am so hard headed but I think I’m starting to get it. God loves ME and wants me to enjoy HIM. Can you believe it!
Sometimes the simplest of phrases speaks volumes to the heart–Blessings for Joy today!!