I have always prided myself on being the type of mom who wants to be with my kids. I mean all the time. That is still true! I love 'em. I love home-schooling because they are with me all day. I love to take them with me when I go places. I love to hear what they have to say and I enjoy watching them grow, careful not to miss a step.
I was raised though, with an impression that left me thinking: "In order to be a good mother you must be a victim, you must pour out your life and keep nothing for yourself. You must dress shabby so they can look good, you must look tired so they can sleep, you must remind them often of how much you sacrifice for them" This sounds so noble doesn't it? Oh so loving. I see now... now that I am a mother, a wife, a woman, that this is a lie.
Giving your children the example of a mother who takes care of herself is valuable. Showing them that I am (and they see by example that they are) worth taking care of. Even Jesus retreated from the crowds. I want them to know that in order to give like they should, they must be whole. They need to take time to pray. Take time to "re-create" them selves through recreation (Like that little play on words? =-P ) It's okay to know your boundaries by asking for help and to saying NO when it is due. I don't need to fall apart in front of my family when I am at my wits end so they will pity me and let me get away for a bit. I need to be the woman who plans time with my Lord everyday. Who plans time here and there to get away for a bit and take care of the daughter of God that I am. Then my hands are full to give to them. We need to water our roots. I wish I would have known this a long time ago. I want to be an example of someone who knows how to give, and give generously, but I want them to know that it is good to love yourself (not to be confused with self absorbtion!) When I do these things I am a better wife. I have love to lavish on my husband, and time and attention for my sweet little children. I have peace.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Little things
Last week I had a lunch date with my sweet friend Milissa. We ate fast food and chatted about a few things, none of them world changing, but it fills my soul to spend time with fellow women. Especially one seeking holiness so diligently.
After Liturgy on Sunday we picked up some Carnitas and headed over to the Home of some friends, the children played outside and our families along with a couple other friends from church chatted and ate and enjoyed fellowship. I know I say it all the time, but I love our Church. I love the Eastern perspective of Catholicism. The East is the Mother, while the West is the Father. I see so much how this is true. The nurturing of the East has called me on so much in my relationship with my Lord, fellow humans, and in peace.
I have ordered a book called The way of the Pilgrim. By "The Monk of the East" I am excited to read it. It begins "By the Grace of God I am a Christian, by my deeds I am a sinner, and by my calling I am a homeless wander of humblest origin." When he says the word "Christian" it is in such a pure way. No political undertones or denominational worries. No fingers pointed, only at his sinful self with humility.
I got to drive Grace alone in carpool this morning (Isaac is sick, poor guy). It was nice in the cool of the morning to talk with her, she is so gentile and beautiful inside and out. I must include that, a kind soul, that we have the pleasure of being friends with, said "I admire Grace's Meekness" this warmed my heart!
Since our newest little flower needs so much attention and the other 4 desire it so much, the moments I waste are moments that are stolen from my children. The biggest burden on my heart as the mother of a set of 5 souls is if I can sufficiently give the, eye contact, gentile touches, heart to heart talks, and enthusiasm for the things they are excited about, as they need it. I just have to make sure I take the chance when I can to get down on their eye level and tell them they are special.
After Liturgy on Sunday we picked up some Carnitas and headed over to the Home of some friends, the children played outside and our families along with a couple other friends from church chatted and ate and enjoyed fellowship. I know I say it all the time, but I love our Church. I love the Eastern perspective of Catholicism. The East is the Mother, while the West is the Father. I see so much how this is true. The nurturing of the East has called me on so much in my relationship with my Lord, fellow humans, and in peace.
I have ordered a book called The way of the Pilgrim. By "The Monk of the East" I am excited to read it. It begins "By the Grace of God I am a Christian, by my deeds I am a sinner, and by my calling I am a homeless wander of humblest origin." When he says the word "Christian" it is in such a pure way. No political undertones or denominational worries. No fingers pointed, only at his sinful self with humility.
I got to drive Grace alone in carpool this morning (Isaac is sick, poor guy). It was nice in the cool of the morning to talk with her, she is so gentile and beautiful inside and out. I must include that, a kind soul, that we have the pleasure of being friends with, said "I admire Grace's Meekness" this warmed my heart!
Since our newest little flower needs so much attention and the other 4 desire it so much, the moments I waste are moments that are stolen from my children. The biggest burden on my heart as the mother of a set of 5 souls is if I can sufficiently give the, eye contact, gentile touches, heart to heart talks, and enthusiasm for the things they are excited about, as they need it. I just have to make sure I take the chance when I can to get down on their eye level and tell them they are special.
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