Sunday, February 27, 2011

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.

8 comments:

  1. You do have truly remarkable parents...I'm blessed by knowing them as well. :) I am sure that one day, your children will say the same about you and Joe. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Enjoy your parents when you can! I miss having my mom around - though I am sure we will have many long talks one day in heaven! I understand the large family, homeschool, simplicity thing. You are not alone! (Though I admit I have never milked a goat!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dad milked goats with you?! How awesome! I am so happy for you that you have found your bliss. The things you do for your family and for others is amazing and I am wonder-struck at your ability to live the 'simple life' and to thrive while doing it. My constant jesting is proof of my admiration :) I love you my dearest sis and this is one noteworthy blog entry! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. My sweet Elizabeth, thank you for the precious love in this post. Please know, there are no tables I'd rather sit at than the ones in my children's homes. There is no road I'd rather travel than that which leads to my children's houses. Sometimes it is difficult for me to love God more than I love my children. I want to stamp my feet and tell God, "No. I just want to hold my grandbabies!" But He is my God and He is is your God and we both know we must obey. Otherwise, we wouldn't know the blessed peace of an obedient life. I love you, my girl. So proud of you and your precious family. Dad loves milking the goats with you too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good stock come from good folks. You and your parents and your sister all amaze me in your own ways. I loved your comment about the compliment re. your hospitality, for no matter how we're able to love on others, it's the spirit behind it vs. the extravagance. I enjoy reading all of your musings on the blogs. Sharing your lives is a blessing. Their obedience taught you to follow...

    Keep up the happy work,
    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely post. I applaud you for your sweet spirit.

    cb
    http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love this post. My husband calls your dad his boss and we have benefitted from their ministry as pastor and wife in Lafayette. In fact I sat with you and your mom at Refresh last spring. My mom lives in Iowa so I don't see her very often, but boy do I understand your heart for your mom and dad. My parents, my dad passed away three years ago quite suddenly, have always visited us wherever we have lived. It always went way too fast. Thank you for this tribute to your mom and dad, you are very rich!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So glad you had that special time with your family but you gotta share your mom with the rest of us. We need her here in NY too! Love her and the wonderful encouragement she is to me and so many. :O)

    ReplyDelete