My son and I spent an enjoyable day together.
First we took a trip to a town thirty minutes away because our car needed a check-up. It has to go back on Friday.
We did lunch at McDonalds and ran a few errands before heading home.
On our way Ethan asked some serious questions from the back seat. These are moments that I am thankful that I don't have to be creative in hiding my reaction when my children blow me away.
"How many birthday's has Jesus had? Is he 100 mommy?"
"What does He look like?"
"How do we get to Heaven?"
"I know Jesus is in soul and in my heart, but how do we get all the way to Heaven?"
"How did Jesus make water?"
"How did Jesus come back to life mommy?"
"Will we come back after we die?"
"Will we know we are in Heaven?"
Oh my! Such deep, deep questions coming out of his little mouth. Yet the love and faith he showed me during that fifteen minute drive (yes all of these questions at one time) made me think two different things. One - we are doing a good job, when I many times question, in raising our children to believe and follow Christ. Two-we are doing a bad one. I like to believe it's the former not the latter.
I did the best I could to answer these questions at a four-year old level. I must admit, it's not an easy thing to do when you can barely comprehend them at the 33 year-old level.
We arrived home. I was still recovering from the conversation as I was unpacking the groceries. I thought of our conversation over and over again hoping I answered the questions correctly and to his understanding.
First we took a trip to a town thirty minutes away because our car needed a check-up. It has to go back on Friday.
We did lunch at McDonalds and ran a few errands before heading home.
On our way Ethan asked some serious questions from the back seat. These are moments that I am thankful that I don't have to be creative in hiding my reaction when my children blow me away.
"How many birthday's has Jesus had? Is he 100 mommy?"
"What does He look like?"
"How do we get to Heaven?"
"I know Jesus is in soul and in my heart, but how do we get all the way to Heaven?"
"How did Jesus make water?"
"How did Jesus come back to life mommy?"
"Will we come back after we die?"
"Will we know we are in Heaven?"
Oh my! Such deep, deep questions coming out of his little mouth. Yet the love and faith he showed me during that fifteen minute drive (yes all of these questions at one time) made me think two different things. One - we are doing a good job, when I many times question, in raising our children to believe and follow Christ. Two-we are doing a bad one. I like to believe it's the former not the latter.
I did the best I could to answer these questions at a four-year old level. I must admit, it's not an easy thing to do when you can barely comprehend them at the 33 year-old level.
We arrived home. I was still recovering from the conversation as I was unpacking the groceries. I thought of our conversation over and over again hoping I answered the questions correctly and to his understanding.
The conversation didn't seem to be weighing on Ethan's mind as much as mine. He came sliding into the kitchen to ask about the little swords (cocktail wiener sticks) that he was allowed to get today. I searched the bags and handed over the $1 purchase that brought the cutest smile and excitment to his face.
A few minutes later he was back. "Mommy, want to play a game?"
A few minutes later he was back. "Mommy, want to play a game?"
Spending more time, not just minutes, but TIME with my children is always an area I feel I need to work on. Reflecting on a post written by a friend on the MOPS blog, I know this is a challenge we all face as moms.
"Am I good mom?"
"Am I an attentive mom?"
"Am I genuine and sincere?"
I will admit that this has always been a part of my "silent" resolution list. Why? Why at times do I let the busyiness of life get in the way of time with my children? I think because we are not perfect. I think because we are more than just moms. I think because sometimes we need that break. I think it's okay. You know why? Because we have moments and days like today that mean just as much to our children as they do us! They don't have to be few and far between, but they don't have to be everyday.
The day we spent, the conversation we had, the smiles and fun we shared over cocktail wiener utensils, blocks, a plastic golf ball and a monster cat...I am so thankful I took the time because I could have let all of that pass me by.
"Am I good mom?"
"Am I an attentive mom?"
"Am I genuine and sincere?"
I will admit that this has always been a part of my "silent" resolution list. Why? Why at times do I let the busyiness of life get in the way of time with my children? I think because we are not perfect. I think because we are more than just moms. I think because sometimes we need that break. I think it's okay. You know why? Because we have moments and days like today that mean just as much to our children as they do us! They don't have to be few and far between, but they don't have to be everyday.
The day we spent, the conversation we had, the smiles and fun we shared over cocktail wiener utensils, blocks, a plastic golf ball and a monster cat...I am so thankful I took the time because I could have let all of that pass me by.
Nothing wrong with trying for everyday, right?! (Smile)
Oh my word, too precious. My daughter (3) recently asked me where God was, and I said, "He's everywhere, He's in the air and in the sky, and in the trees." She said, "Is He in the dirt?" I said, "Why yes, He is!" She said, like I was a complete idiot, "No mom, He is not in the dirt cause He doesn't want to get germs on Him!"
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to think of the moments we fail instead of dwelling on the moments when we look and talk and know our children. Sure I would like fewer failing moments, but I think I'm a better mother when I'm not beating myself up and concentrating on what I have or can do.
ReplyDelete