Trainers...NOT Babysitters

Okay tired and exhausted Mommas, this is for you today! Here is yet another gentle reminder of why we have the loftiest of jobs. Even though about right now it may NOT feel like it, it IS a priviledge to be able to care for our little ones and train them. We are not babysitters. {No, your job does not end at 5:00!} What we are is trainers...for the long haul. When we are wondering if it is worth it, the answer is "YES, ABSOLUTELY!" When your child is throwing a tantrum, having a tough time in school, maybe dealing with hormones and arguing with you...it is worth it! We are meant to be brought to the ends of ourselves so we can cry out to Him. That is exactly where grace is. We just have to ask. {We certainly don't have a problem asking our children to brush their teeth and our hubbys to pick up a gallon of milk and Advil!}

As our family said goodbye today to a very dear child who is leaving to serve our Country, I could not hold back the tears. As I hugged him one last time before he left, I almost felt like I couldn't let go. I want to protect him and take care of him. Over the past year, our family has listened to this young man's dreams, fears, hopes, and most of all his love for God and the desire he has to do his part in fighting for the freedom he believes in.

As we prayed together last night he requested he be able to stay strong in his faith, and that God would keep him close!

A child does not just "turn out" like this. I am telling you! This child has had amazing parents that have instilled in him what it is to be more concerned about others than himself. They have prayed for him. It has taken more discipline and tears than you can even imagine. Rest assured...we are all benefitting from children like this who have put their dreams and hopes on the line to give us the freedoms we enjoy every morning when we wake up in our cozy homes... YES, even Monday's laundry, dishes from the weekend, cranky kids from camping trips and late-night summer festivities!

I am tired too, but again, I find myself even more ready to face parenting challenges...with a little more patience and with a little more compassion. I know that I wont always be able to tuck my children in and give them kisses at night...but tonight I do. I can write them notes and teach them the importance of loving others unconditionally by modeling it for them. I can have have my bedroom filled with smoke from the fire pit as my son and his friends make S'MORES. I can hold my daughter and wipe her wet, blackened cheeks from mascara and tears. While I have time with my children, I WILL dote on them. I WILL refer to myself as "mommy" and their dad WILL be referred to as "daddy". We WILL ALWAYS say "I LOVE YOU" before bed, first thing in the morning and before ending any conversation on the phone...and lots and lots of times during the day...just because! We will pray whenever, for whoever, and for whatever, because one day it may be our child going out to combat who is going to need to fully trust and depend on their God when we are NOT there. I want them to fully know the power of our God and the comfort only He can bring in dire situations. They need to know He can be trusted with the smallest of concerns {sick pets} to friends with cancer. He will be all they have at some point in their lives and what better time to teach them when they are young.

The soldier at the end {in the last frame} risked his life for someone he did not even know. The man he carried to safety wasn't a friend or a fellow soldier. I want to raise good, strong children who have been loved enough and taken care of enough to where their tanks are so filled to the tippy-top to where it can not help but overflow into the lives of those their lives will one day touch.

David Scott...we love you and are praying for you.

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The majority of us learn the most from our parents.

It is from them that I have learned that the greatest joy in life is not from what is received, but from what is given of oneself to others...A gift from the heart.

They served our Country for a total of seven years...Dad in the Air Force and Mom in the Army...but it has been over the past 35 years that they have continued to pour their hearts into the lives of military men and women.

I am thankful for my heritage. Thankful that they served our Country and continue to this day- to encourage sons,daughters,uncles,aunts,dads,and moms etc. here in the United States and abroad as they now serve as missionaries to the military.

This morning on my way to taking my son to basketball practice...I didn't take my cell phone, I kept the radio off, and drove down our old route (SPEED BUMPS AND ALL!) and we prayed.

As we talked about Veteran's Day, I reminded him that if he ran into anybody at the gym who may be a Veteran-to be sure to thank them for their service to our Country. He listed the men he knew had served and assured me he would thank them if he were to see them.

As I drove out of the school parking lot, I noticed I was driving on empty AGAIN! I can't stand stopping for ANYTHING when I haven't had a shower, brushed my hair or teeth and have my slippers on!

Reluctantly, I pulled up to the gas station and found the least intimidating gentleman to help me. I stuffed a piece of gum in my mouth, rolled my window down and asked for $30.00 of premium... not really wanting to "chat".

I HAD to say good morning and ask how he was. It wasn't his fault I was running late and a bit irritated. How RUDE would that be? As I wished him a good morning and asked him how he was doing...I was completely overwhelmed. This is what he said, "Just HONKEY DOREY, MAAM!" Smiling back, I said, "That's nice, we need more people in this world like you!" He had a twinkle in his eye as he squinted just a bit and was quick to add, "I woke up this morning, and that's something to be thankful for!"

I have seen this gentleman quite frequently. I never talk to him because I am usually on the cell phone, cleaning out my purse, trying to hush my dog when they are out of "TREATS" or whatever other crisis is happening in my car...anyway, I just simply have not taken the time to REALLY talk to him. BUT it was quiet this morning. Most people were taking full advantage of their day off!

As the gentleman went to open my gas tank-which I forgot HOW to open!!! I thought since I had just lectured my son on thanking a VETERAN, I should at least ask him if he was. He acted surprised that I would ask. He walked over to my window and said, "MAAM, most of us old guys here are!” We had quite the conversation. I should have had him fill my tank to the brim...just to listen to his heart and to hear his passion for his COUNTRY he still carried in his voice after all of these years. What was it that he had seen, experienced or achieved in his life that gave him such a sweet spirit and a zest for life on such an early, chilly November morning?

OH MY GOODNESS! As I started up my car and thanked him for his part in serving our COUNTRY, I was completely fascinated by him. Maybe because he reminded me of my very favorite Grandpa...something about his sheepish grin, the lines in his face, his slight limp. I don't know!

Baffled, I pulled out of the gas station. My vision was a bit blurred from tears. As I drove home, I was wondering how many of these men and women are out there amongst people like me and like you who are so compartmentalized and are too busy to even recognize the people we pass every day who have served with a willing heart ? The sacrifices so many of them have made? How many have lost a friend in their very arms, and then come home to hold a new life only to find out that they, too, have forsaken them, lost hope that they may return.

I know that we realize there is a price for our freedom, but I don't usually think about these amazing men and women as individuals. They each have their own stories. Their own lives have been altered in one way or another. Maybe one night they were being kissed by their mom and the next, only by the dripping rain! Who knows?

As I pulled into my garage and turned the car off. I just sat for a minute. It dawned on me why this distinguished gentleman was still on my mind: He was still experiencing the greatest joy in his life...not from what he had received, but from what he had given of himself...although many years ago...it was the gift from his heart!

Thank YOU

Reposted from 11/11/2009

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