Today’s Unexpected Blessings

I adore my large family. My kids thrill me, challenge me, tire me, and love me unconditionally. As children increased in our home, individual time decreased. That is not necessarily a bad thing. We love time together. There is usually someway to play with. Discussion is always prevalent. Boredom is not an acceptable excuse. Yet, those times when I share time with only one child provide precious moments of personal conversation and insightful observations. Today was one of those days.

My princess is a gifted artist and wants to spend more time developing her skill. I spent some time with her at AC Moore browsing and talking about artsy stuff. We had fun checking out paints and brushes. We looked at canvases and other crafts. Most importantly we had time together just talking.

Angel is an athlete. Her favorite store is Dicks Sporting Goods, and they have great after Christmas sales. So . . . off we went, just the two of us, Christmas money in hand. She found a really cool running shirt, and I found a great deal for her running shoes. I am thankful for her healthy attitude regarding fitness. Time to share one on one is precious as college comes closer, faster.

My little one and I headed to the bookstore, one of our favorite haunts. She piled her arms with books, and we set our sites for a table at the café. Rachel (the barista who knows my order when I arrive) served my Venti Earl Grey and a chocolate chip cookie, and we settled in for a sweet treat and some reading. My little one wowed me as she read a Cinderella Christmas book. Of course, the book was 50% off so I HAD TO buy it. I enjoyed chatting with my 1^st grader. I am amazed at her thought process. I cherish the time to listen to only her.

My little man and I ventured out after dinner to McDonalds. He chose a milkshake. I chose something warm – a mocha. We had fun with his new camera taking silly pictures. We chatted about a song he just wrote. (I may write about that later.) We just hung out together.

Normally, my sweetie and I catch a date night once a week, usually Monday or Tuesday. We are staying in tonight as the Eagles are playing on Tuesday Night Football. Crazy, I know. But, hey, you won't see that too often. As I have consumed a significant amount of caffeine today, staying away from the bookstore tonight is probably a good thing so I will be able to sleep later. I rarely give up an opportunity to go out with my sweetie, but tonight is probably best spent cuddled up on the couch.

I love spending time with my family. I did not plan today until today. I knew before the Christmas break that I wanted to spend some special time with my kids. Fostering our two babies has required sacrifice from each member of our family. We would not have it any other way. However, I knew I needed to make sure that the connection with each of my children was not lost in the opportunity to minister to someone else.

God is good. I am thankful for the chance to see my kids again today in new ways.

Christmas 2010

Simple family dinners

Precious children singing favorite songs of Christmas

Costumed cousins acting out the Christmas story

Torn piles of wrapping paper

Excited smiles of giving

Sweet cupcakes to celebrate Jesus's birthday

Clean house BEFORE I leave so that I can enjoy a clean home AFTER I return

New games to play together

Windy snowstorms leaving enough snow to play in, but not enough to limit travel

My sweet husband sledding down some awesome hills with my kids and their cousins

These are a few of my favorite things.

Alone

Mary birthed Jesus in a humble stable surrounded by animals, alone, with the exception of her betrothed, Joseph. No mid-wife helped her. No doctor offered any pain relief. No mother assisted in this precious yet scary time for this first-time mom. This was no ordinary birth, she knew. Her son would save the world. Yet, despite those promises, she had to deal with the earthly pain alone. Mary did not plan this. God did. The angel messenger knew her heart and encouraged her not to be afraid. How was she going to explain this?

I honestly enjoyed the births of my four children (epidurals are wonderful). My husband was right by my side holding my hand joining me in the celebration of another child. Our families waited with baited breath to hear of the newest little one to join our home. It seemed an easy transition. Being a mom seemed natural. However, our children were in our plans, and I was not a young, unmarried girl.

We have two little ones living with us for a while. Their mother is alone. No one appears to be available to her except when life reached dangerous limits. They lived in humble accommodations. This momma needs to have some divine intervention to show her that despite what life looks like, God has a plan. Mary had made right choices, and God used her in an unexpected and amazing way. God still works in amazing ways.

The Christmas story pricked my heart in new ways this year. The little baby's name was Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. Those were not just the sins of others whose choices have left their lives broken. They were my sins as well.

Mary was blessed to be a mom to the savior of the world. God chose to bless me with four children to raise. I have the privilege of mothering two additional children whose mother is learning how to be a mom.

Thankfully, none of us women needs to feel alone. Though our world can be scary for our family, God will never leave us. We don't need to be afraid. I pray that this mother that has come into my life will see her savior and accept His help in her life.