Reflections

Mom and Dad took the kids off on a road trip adventure that included an overnight stay in Argyle. Sunday morning they went to Amerifest at Denise's church and then made their way to Argyle for a visit to the farm. Today they visited a model train display with Nana and Papa.

Here's the thing... Sending my kids out into the world, without being by their sides to make sure they say please and thank you (yes, even Shelly can say these things), without reminding them to not shout when they should be quiet, or reminding them to use napkins and not their shirt-sleeves, this whole thing makes me a little nervous. Actually, a lot nervous. When I was a kid I really didn't understand how my behavior reflected on my parents. I get it now. If my kids are out of control that means I'm not in control and you don't need me to go into how parents are judged for their kids' behavior.

So when Mom and Dad and Denise all told me how well the kids behaved, I was relieved and truly happy to hear they acted the way I hope they do. The minute Mom and Dad dropped them off with me, however, there was a complete 180 degree turn-around. Archer and Shelly must have used up all their stores of polite behavior with their grandparents because it was nowhere to be found once they were home. Crying, tantrums, hitting (Shelly hitting her brother, what in the world????). They were worn out, hungry, and just plain had no space left for good manners. They smelled like sunscreen and sweat and needed baths to wash off the adventures they'd had and start to calm down and settle back into home. Its amazing what a trip like that does to them - they had lots of fun and were gone for less than 48 hours but I really think it completely threw them off track and wore them out. I like the peace and quiet that David and I have when we get a little break from the kids, but I'm learning the peace is an opportunity for me to shore myself up for the chaos they bring with them when they come home. Going on adventures away from home is lots of fun but lots of work for them too. And when they come home to unwind, I've got to be prepared for it.

Thanks Mom and Dad and Denise for your encouragement and letting me know the kids did well. Thanks for taking them on an adventure that they'll be talking about for quite awhile (ok, maybe not Shelly but definitely Archer!)

Thank you Lord for giving me the strength to keep going, keep persevering and trying to send my kids in the right direction. Thank you Lord for the people in my life who are supportive and encouraging to me. And thank you Lord for the small steps in the right direction that you've accomplished in my life.

Lord, you will grant us peace, all we have accomplished is really from you.
~ Isaiah 26:12

More so, Lord, I ask you to help me remember what I'm doing in my life, with my actions and decisions, is a reflection on you in the same way my children are a reflection on me. This is a heavy burden but also a great opportunity. What can I do with this opportunity?

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
~ 1 Timothy 4:8