View From My Window

When I look out my window and into my front yard, what do I see? Honestly, it depends on the day. When I am bogged down in the mundanities of life, stressed by all there is to do, I see an overwhelming mess. I see a porch that needs cleaned desperately. I see toys scattered throughout the property. I see bits of projects, started but not quite finished, laying haphazardly around. I see trash that the dog scattered, grass that usually needs cut and vehicles that need a bath.

You see, all too often I look out my window with tired, overwhelmed, grown-up eyes. Every once in a while, however, God blesses me with the insight and ability to see reality.

Reality is, out my window is a magical world. It is world in which 5 children run, shout, build, dream, imagine and play. It is a world in which apple trees are the greatest climbing devices ever made. It is a world in which a grove of small trees becomes an Indian Village, 5 gallon buckets become makeshift porta-potties (don't ask), and spindly little shrubs and trees will someday drip with as much fruit as 6 kids can possibly eat.

And the all too stark reality is that this reality shall fade in the blink of an eye. Too soon this reality shall transition to a new reality, one in which these small children are chasing small children of their own. God is showing me how to slow down time while being excited about the future. I'm learning to love each moment of this time, these child raising years, before they disappear. Sure, I still get frustrated daily, but now I hear the voice whispering at me that there will come a time when I will wish for these moments and I try to avoid wishing them away.

Too Much to Do!

I know all moms feel the same way. I have too much to do. How is it possible that each passing day brings more to do, not less. I am sure many other people, those not actively raising small children, feel the same way. I can't remember the last time I sat on a porch swing and thought, "I have nothing to do today."

I remember those days as a kid when I would sit on the front porch, nothing to do. I would read until I just didn't think I could read any more. I was a book a day kind of reader back then. I could pick up a chapter book, as we called them, and finish it before supper, often picking up another to finish in the wee hours of the night.

Now, I feel lucky to finish one novel in six months. Actually, I feel guilty. I can still read a whole book in a day, but then nothing else gets done. I actually feel a little guilty right now for updating my blog instead of cleaning my house. And my "book"? Ha! Right!

How have I gone from a carefree child with no real responsibilities, to an overwhelmed adult in need of 3 full time staff just to get my affairs in order? Did I sleep through the change?

I don't know how other people do it. You know who I mean, the ones with perfectly clean houses, perfectly clean kids, 2 jobs per family, 15 missions they work on, boy scouts and girl scouts, 4-H and dance, studying part time for their degrees in astrophysics. You know who I mean. Do we all have the same 24 hours in our day?

Enough ramblings for me today, house full of the most amazing people you'll ever meet coming over tonight hoping for decent food and a place to sit, right now, I couldn't offer either!