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Sowing Seeds for the Future
Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NAB
When raising children, the home can sometimes be a a loud, hectic, swirling vortex of exasperation. There are days when your patience level has been worn to the consistency of a frayed thread. In these moments, I sometimes take a mental "Calgon" moment and remind myself of the following: Someday I will sit and talk with my husband and actually finish a conversation. When we go to lunch, there will be no need to tip "extra" for the mess the children have created. I lavish in the thought of a peaceful bath, candles aglow and incense burning and the absence of numerous knocks on the door accompanied by "Are you done yet?" My toe won't encounter sharp-edged legos in my shoe and....I will buy light colored carpet. And since I'm potty-training two children at the moment, I often fantasize about having a whole day where I don't have to encounter another person's excrements.
Of course, when these fantasies become realities, there will more attached to it than freedom. Although I'll have the front of my fridge to myself again, the crayon picture entitled "Mommy Hugging Me" will be absent. No more school plays that force a tear to the eye. I won't be overhearing my little one say to a friend, "Yes, huh! Cause my mom said so and she knows everything." I won't see a little body jumping with delight when I answer, "Yes, I'll play a game with you." Gone will be the naps snuggling next to a warm, softly-breathing angel. And how I will miss that sweet, innocent face that shines with adoration for me just because I'm "Mommy".
But there is hope. I firmly believe you get out of life, what you put into it. If you live your life as a parent caught up in your own discomfort, you'll probably be putting less effort into parenting. And since, we reap what we sow, the degree of our future happiness depends on our efforts now. A child with a parent who tried to make the most of their time as a caregiver, teacher and guide, will follow that example and return the kindness. This child is much more likely to stay in touch and visit often and even bring their little "bundles of joy" into your home.
The best of both worlds is waiting: A quiet and peaceful home, EXCEPT, when you hear the doorbell ring and are interrupted happily by a little hand delivering a crayon picture entitled "Grandma/Grandpa Hugging Me." And the little hand is accompanied by a sweet, innocent face that shines with adoration for you, just because you are "Grandma" or "Grandpa."
