Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Lines in My Hands




Last night, while encouraging my older son to share the favorite John Deere truck toy with his younger brother, this is what I heard; "But Mom, when God made me he gave me these special lines on my hands so I could play really good with this truck."  Then to his little brother; "Let me see your hands. (Little brother innocently holds out his hands, palms up). Oh you have good lines too!  You can play with the truck for a little bit."

I love the toddler logic and (developmentally appropriate) self-centered perception that went into this conversation.  I also love the innocence with which my youngest son held out his hands seeking approval.  What I love the most is how this one conversation so captures two small parts of what lies within each of us; we are all looking for that one thing that sets us apart, the one gift God choose to give us different from all the rest AND we are at the same time constantly seeking approval; Here I am, now someone tell me I am good enough!

As a mother, I find that my definition of self has become consumed by my role as a mom.  I am constantly searching for the "lines in my hands" that set me apart from others.  Reflecting on this though, I realize that all of the little things God put into more are what make me special.  No one else in the world has the exact same parts.  Being a mother or a teacher doesn't limit me any more than being short and brunette does.  Being a mother, a teacher, and a short brunette is what makes me special.  These qualities and more are the "lines in my hands."

The other piece of this conversation goes hand in hand with finding my lines.  As an adult, as a Christian, as a mother, as a wife, as a teacher; I am constantly seeking approval.  Please lord, let me be good enough, let my children think I am the best, my students, my husband, my friends, my boss, and on and on.  The truth is: I am good enough because God says I am and though it is sometimes hard to believe, His opinion is really the only one that matters.

What wonderful insight from a 30 second conversation.  I am blessed beyond measure!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Life is Not a Love Song

I am a sucker for a slow, heartfelt, love song.  Any genre.  I love, Love.  I am a romantic at heart.  I am an old soul.  I believe in soul mates and holding hands and good night kisses every day.  I get lost in the words of a song easily and then find myself feeling slightly empty when the song is over. But the truth is, life is not a love song.  Life is diapers and late night feedings and fights over sorting laundry.  However, I feel deep down, if you are with the right person, the everyday can be a love song all its own.  It's not the song I envisioned myself dancing to for the rest of my life, but that's what makes it real. 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Duck Dynasty - Revisited

I will be the first to admit, when "Duck Dynasty" first gained popularity on A&E, I was quick to judge. 

"A bunch of rednecks, drinking, shooting stuff up, and setting a great example for our children of a get rich and squander it mentality."

And to be even more embarrassingly honest, I made this statement before I had actually even watched the show!  So imagine my surprise when I actually sat down and watched an episode.  Yes they are a bunch of rednecks, however, that is where the truth in my statement ends.  The Duck Dynasty family is a God-fearing, God-loving, southern family, who had a great idea and used their business savvy and redneck talents to build an empire.  And guess what else...it is one of the few shows, I don't mind having on while my children are in the same room.  In and of itself, that speaks volumes.

I was too quick to judge.  This makes me wonder how often I do this with other things in my life. Who would have thought that redneck show could have triggered so much reflection! Last night when I said prayers with my children, I asked for patience.  I asked God to show me how to give others time before I judge...and then I watched an episode of "Duck Dynasty."