Why Do I Do What I Do?

Why did I drive 2500 miles

to move Ashleigh to WA?

She could have rented a U-Haul Truck.

Why am I going to drive Cassie

from OR to MN in 2 weeks?

She could drive it by herself.

Why am I going to drive 8 of the kids

to TX next month for the wedding?

I could just fly there with my husband.

Why am I planning a 

Washington Wedding Reception?

They are having a reception in Texas.

Why am I making 100+ invitations 

for the Washington Reception,

during such a crazy, busy time?

I could have asked

Ashleigh & Jeremiah to make them.

Oh ... 

No ... 

Don't get me wrong.

I am NOT asking these questions of myself.

I am NOT regretting the decision to do these things.

In the past couple of weeks, 

several people that have 

heard about all of these trips 

have made the comment, 

"You're such a nice mom!"

I smile and say, "Thanks."

But, it has really gotten me thinking.

Yes.  I do try to be a "nice" person.

But, that is certainly NOT the reason

that I do all of these things.

Oh.  My.  No.

So ... 

Why Do I Do What I Do???

Privilege:  1.  a special right granted to one person 

                      or a small group of people.

   

                 2.  something regarded as a rare opportunity, 

                      and bringing particular pleasure.

Honor:     1.  something that brings pride or pleasure.

                 2.  a privilege

Blessing:  1.   a means of happiness, a gift

  

                 2.  a beneficial thing, for which one is grateful

I do what I do because ...

It is a Privilege ... 
to be the Mother of 12 Children.

It is an Honor ... 
to be able to Serve My Children.

My Children are a Blessing ... 
a True Gift from God.

Sadly, many mothers see their children 

as a burden, rather than as a blessing.

Sadly, many mothers are so excited about an "empty nest",

that they don't enjoy the privilege
of parenting their young adults.

Sadly, many mothers have not done the hard work necessary

for fun, loving, healthy relationships with their older children;

and the children would never ask their mom to

be involved in their Young Adult lives.

My relationships with all 6 of my young adult children

are certainly not perfect.  We do have our challenges.

Yet ... 

...  I am BLESSED to call them my closest friends.

...  I am HONORED that they would want me to

drive across the country with them.

...  it is my PRIVILEGE to be able to

continue to serve my children,

even after they are 

"grown & gone".

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord,

children a reward from Him.

Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them."

Psalm 127: 3, 5

My desire is to be so much more

than just a ...  "nice mom".

My desire ... 

my goal ...

is to live life as the woman in

Proverbs 31.

"She ... works with eager hands."  v. 13

"She gets up while it is still dark;

to provide for her family."  v. 14

"She sets about her work vigorously,

her arms are strong for her tasks."  v. 17

"She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come."  v. 25

"She watches over the affairs of her household,

and does not eat the bread of idleness."  v. 27

"Her children arise and call her blessed ..."  v. 28

Lord ... 


Help me to be the woman that you created me to be.

Thank you for the many children

that you have blessed my life with

(including all of the Adopted Big Kids,
and soon-to-be-daughters & sons-in-laws).

Thank you for the honor and privilege

of parenting all of the children and young adults

that you have entrusted to my care.