Just thankful...

So much in life goes by at such a blur and seems to trivial to post about. In reality... it's probably more important than we realize. Not so much the stuff itself, but how we live/walk it. Know what I mean?? I was reminded of this once again yesterday (I'll get to that in a minute... first the update).

Daniel is studying his head off for the State exam. I've been house shopping online (amazing what you can do these days!) and taking my course. The kids have been completing all their "end of the school year" activities. A million little things happening all simultaniously it seems.

However, knowing that there is an impending move, I think I'm hugging people a little longer when I say goodbye. Making things a little bigger deal than normal knowing it may be "the last time" we do this living here in Georgia. Trying to make all those little group/family gatherings because "who knows when we will make it again". It may seem silly.... but it's a reality right now.

Yesterday, the kids had a rehearsal for their piano and drums recital tonight. I had to leave for class, so Daniel was there with the kids. Then at around 5:30 p.m. the teacher looked at her watch and sighed. Since Daniel was there and it was a calm moment, she said, "I have to tell someone this. Seventeen years ago at this very moment on this date, my son was hit by and car and died...." The story went on. It was all a tragic accident.... the wrong place at the wrong time.... no malicious act. Her precious first grader was struck by a car driven by an eighteen year old coming home for his birthday. A large tree in a curve prevented the driver from seeing the young child until it was too late. That was the beginning of many sad subsequent events in their lives. A day of play and rejoicing turned to tragedy.

So, I'm reminded once again.... go hug the kids once more (hey! go hug your spouse! it might shock them!)... make doing dishes fun, go ahead put up the streamers for my husband's birthday (even if it seems silly).... it's not about the money or the event.... it's about the walk/talk/attitude. What would I do differently if I knew this was the last time we would... [fill in the blank here].

Well, so as not to leave you on a sad note, our piano teacher and her family has been such a blessing in our lives these last five years. God has walked her through some tough stuff and I'm sure there are days she feels it. But she is such a blessing and "shining star" to us. An example of patience and resilliance and faithfulness. (And an example of someone who truly makes learning fun!)

Ephesians 5:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
16Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
17Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

Philippians 2:14-16 (New International Version)
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[a] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sometimes someone says it so well.... well... no need fixing something that isn't broken.....

Happy Mother's Day!
The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries

Question: Of the following successful women, who has impacted your life the most--Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Mother Teresa, Hillary Clinton, Michele Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Julia Childs, Julie Andrews, Susan B. Anthony, Vera Wang, Estee Lauder, Rosa Parks, or . . . your mother?

The answer is obvious, but sometimes when you're up to your armpits in dirty diapers and bad attitudes (they both stink), you're tempted to forget and think . . . "I'm wasting my life. I could have been something. So-and-So leads such a significant, glamorous . . . appreciated life."

Let me tell you, Mom, those lines you're being fed smell like smoke and come from the pit of Hell.

Your life as a mom is significant. All of the sacrifices you have made, are making, and will make are worth it. What you do as a mom is way more important than being a doctor, business woman, author, humanitarian, and world leader. You are impacting future generations who will never meet you or know your name and will only refer to you as great, great, great grandma.

Your sons and daughters will answer the above question the same as you did. The greatest impact on their lives will not be by a president, an inventor, or a business person. Without a second's thought, they will answer, "Oh yeah, my mom was the greatest influence in my life."

So quit looking on the other side of the fence and wishing these days away so that you can get on with the important stuff in your life.

You are already doing the important stuff in your life.

Happy Mother's Day,
Todd

[I think I shall frame this and put on the bathroom mirror! Hugs and blessings! T]

Collossians 3:23-24
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.