Hello and Goodbye

As usual my parents' visit this weekend went way too quickly. Sometimes I get discouraged that our time goes so fast especially when there are so many distractions and everyday busy-ness that still needs taken care of when we're together. Like the generally large amount of time it takes to care for 5 children and the household they occupy. Obviously, I love Love LOVE my kids, but golly, it can make socialization difficult!

My parents live 3 hours away and are in a very busy season of their lives. Dad is District Superintendent of the Northeastern district Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches, and Mom is in demand more and more each day as a speaker/author. They travel a TON. Just returned from Bosnia and Germany where they spent two weeks ministering to missionary families. Left from here for Pittsburgh where they will be leading a conference until Wednesday, and then traveling again through next weekend for Mom's speaking ministry. This is the life they lead. It's exhausting for me to contemplate. Yet they are being obedient to God's call and any selfish desire I may have to be able to "claim" them more often is simply human greediness on my part.

And while they are doing what it is God has for them, I am being obedient in my own way by caring for the children he's blessed us with and the home we are so fortunate to have and the daily chores that need doing around here. Obedient by living the life He has called me to. A life of large family mothering, being a help-meet to my husband, homeschooling, and simplicity. Though simplicity can often look like being sentenced to  hard labor (goats, chickens, gardens, cooking from scratch, budgeting till it hurts,self sufficiency etc...) it is still the life I feel confident I was born to lead. A life that many don't understand and may even mock at times. But I'm happy here. Happier than if I were working every day and collecting a large paycheck. My paycheck is all that surrounds me on a daily basis and I go to bed exhausted (and poor ;), but simply, content. Priceless.

My parents have touched so many lives, including the lives of Joe and I. What examples they've been of Godly obedience, unwavering faith and commitment to each other. What luck we've had to be blessed by these two. By living out our obedience I can only pray that someday our lives will touch others as well.

Mom and Dad, I miss you already.
Dad, thanks for milking the goats with me. A special time I will store away and treasure. Mom, thanks for all the sweet encouragement, and for loving your grandchildren so much. And both of you, thanks for always giving more than you take.
Oh yeah, and for always complimenting my hospitality, even though you've traveled the world over and have been entertained by much more important than myself.
Love you two.
God bless your journey.