With a hustle and bustle and in a flurry of activity, they were out the door on this still early starlit Saturday morning. This mommy found her self smiling and with a prayer on her lips. It's not so often that I find myself with the house nearly empty of people. I still have two little sugar plums, sleeping peacefully in their cozy little beds, to add sweetness to my day.:) It's really hard to describe the things that are felt within my heart in this whole beautiful role called "motherhood". An extension of the whole of sweetness called "family". But since this blog isn't entirely for you, but also a journal for us, I guess it's okay if I can't find the words to describe how blessed I really am!.:)
For instance, our oldest is "acts of service". And even tho we teach and train and have them exercise independence appropriate for their age by doing more things for themselves, it is very important that we "do" things for Michael that shows him how much we love him. Being a busy home school mommy, it is simpler to praise him and tell him I love him, but what really makes him smile is when he discovers that I made his bed before he did or for me to sometimes do that job around the house that he normally does. Or serving him something iced or hot to drink as he's up in his room in the early mornings reading. The extra effort tells him he means something to us. That he really is important. Just the other day as Mike (Sr) was trying to figure something out, he called Michael (Jr) in to see if he would know and I observed really what effect that has on a growing adolescent.The feeling of being needed. He being able to exercise wisdom. He is discovering his manhood through broader maturity and these are key factor years. Oh to guide them well, to praise them often, and even sometimes to stand back and look on, praying, as he test own footing.
I am encouraged by Scripture that God will finish the work He's started in us!
I hope you were blessed and I sincerely wish You God's strength and wisdom and blessing as you take Him at His Word.
The important thing is that my life in ministering to my little family displays for them the joy it is to enjoy even the littlest of our blessings. Ironically they are often the very things that leave us with the most meaningful memories. Some of which I can't help but mention. :) The simple family ice cream treat as we laugh and visit back and forth and as we dream together of some of our life ambitious goals. The unloading firewood escapade ( yes:) you read that right, but you can go back and read it again if you want!:) We all mutually love our fireplace and we are all anticipating cozy winter nights, so....when we found a trailer full of firewood (that's a lot of firewood!!) we all pitched in on the unloading and stacking and I couldn't help notice and think that to all these kiddos this is fun and not work!! Even the tiniest little guy helped and it was so adorable as we watched him neatly stack his little pieces!
So, for another treasure, meal prep! :) It's usually a weekend thing for everyone, but just the whole thing of our little family gathered in the heart of our home (our kitchen) and some are making fruit smoothies while another is frying the eggs ( of course wee little guy is already munching on his little bowl of cereal!:) and just enjoying being together.:)
The list could go on and on and on..... The simple things we find ourselves involved in may seem just that to everyone else, but the truth is that the simple things in life can be just what you make them to be.
The other morning as I was walking on our road,enjoying the beautiful sunrise and watching the world wake up it came to me in a very startling way that the things of most value are being lost in our world. The "family circle". The warmth of togetherness enjoying the blessings of home. With all the gadgets.. and noise.. and clutter...somehow "family" got lost in the shuffle. And it's sad. The very values in life that kept us strong have been sold out for lousy counterfeit! But it's not too late to regain those values! Kids really do want their parents to take an interest in them.
Start today by speaking something positive to your child. Praising your teenager on something he/she's did lately. I love the "Five Love Language" book for kids. Pray that God helps you notice what the primary thing that your child longs for and in some way bless them in that. It's possible! Very possible, believe me! We have 5 kids ranging from 13 down to 2 years old ( now 14-3 years old) and our three oldest all have different love languages. But even tho' the languages vary and it's a little more effort to meet each ones, it's quite attainable.
For instance, our oldest is "acts of service". And even tho we teach and train and have them exercise independence appropriate for their age by doing more things for themselves, it is very important that we "do" things for Michael that shows him how much we love him. Being a busy home school mommy, it is simpler to praise him and tell him I love him, but what really makes him smile is when he discovers that I made his bed before he did or for me to sometimes do that job around the house that he normally does. Or serving him something iced or hot to drink as he's up in his room in the early mornings reading. The extra effort tells him he means something to us. That he really is important. Just the other day as Mike (Sr) was trying to figure something out, he called Michael (Jr) in to see if he would know and I observed really what effect that has on a growing adolescent.The feeling of being needed. He being able to exercise wisdom. He is discovering his manhood through broader maturity and these are key factor years. Oh to guide them well, to praise them often, and even sometimes to stand back and look on, praying, as he test own footing.
I am encouraged by Scripture that God will finish the work He's started in us!
I hope you were blessed and I sincerely wish You God's strength and wisdom and blessing as you take Him at His Word.
(A reminder about our adoption...If you missed the announcement see our older post, "Twice the Blessing and Double the Expectancy!"
You will find a donation button at the top right of this page and we thank you in advance for your gift of any amount as God prompts you. If you prefer to write a check out to our Church and receive a tax deductible receipt you may make checks payable to: "Ellerslie Mission Society" and be sure to note on the memo blank that it is: "Groff family adoption". The address is: 655 Southwood Lane Windsor, Co. 80550. Thank you and God bless you!!)
