A Happy Mother

On a rock

"He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD."
Psalm 113:9

How could I have ever known or imagine that my life's cup would be so full and running over? My children have always been blessings, just as God's Word has ordained they should. But, lately...with them coming into adulthood in rapid succession...I'm realizing new aspects of what blessings they are!

Of course they are blessings right from the start. But, when they get older the blessings increase exponentially. Last weekend I had the privilege of attending an "Above Rubies" woman's retreat. The speaker, Nancy Campbell, talked about living a large life.

Mine is a large life!  My thoughts and interests surpass my own little sphere.  I now have interests in: wheat farming in Wyoming, building expensive houses, being a nurse, working on a ranch, training a border collie, being in a godly courtship, teaching kinder-gardeners and marketing skills...just to name a few.

And the sphere of influence is huge: children's friends, and their friends, and their families and on it goes. Community people become acquaintances and friends as my children go to work for and with others.

What joy to have fellowship with grown children who love and serve God;  having your daughter tell you that she'll pray for you or your son ask you if you're alright. Our family recently went through a severe trial (still are really). Seeing my children express concern for how their Dad is doing, in rallying to guard his stress level, looking for ways to ease his burden - - it's hard to describe the feeling - - sort of "full circle" I guess.

I've shared here before that when my children were little I didn't really see them as people...little people yes, but not really future adults. Which makes sense since they were that...little people. But, there's so much more to them now. They have all of the history of;  the sweet baby, charming child, blossoming youth, awkward teen and emerging adult. That's alot! The memories. the mistakes, the victories, the healings, the laughter, the awe and the hope for the future and on in to eternity is all there in each one of them.

And on top of that...there are so many. And on top of that; two more have become daughters by marrying my sons! Plus some of them aren't even grown up yet so, we still get to live this out each day in anticipation of seeing what God will bring into their lives!

 And...before this all started and throughout the entire time...through every joy and trial there has been Jeff, my beloved and best friend ever. We often remark to each other.."aren't you glad we're in this together?" And, "I'm so glad we think alike"

Best of all though:  under-girding, orchestrating, shaping and sustaining us has been our Father God.

"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things:  to whom be glory for ever. Amen". Romans 11:36

Jeff and me...walking our road

Beyond what we could ever ask or think...Our marriage, a work of God!

365 times 27! I'm too tired to do the math, but that's how many days we've been married! It's funny to think back over so many days at once. So many details, it's hard to focus on any one. It's like one long happy moment. And the hard times, scary times, hurts and wrongs somehow add to the mix in a positive way; like adding just the right amount of black to get the perfect shade. All of the victories: letting Love cover that multitude of wrongs, enduring in prayer until His answer comes, taking care of each other through thick and thin and staying up late until every one is in. And the trust and comfort in just knowing we are loved. Nothing we could ever do or say will change that. (Or else it would have by now). The three cord strand is not easily broken. God is the Strong Strand, we are the weak. Trials are like a hatchet striking to fray our strength. When that happens (everyday in some way or another) God wraps His strand around ours, imparts His strength, and we somehow mend even stronger than before. All because we ask Him to.

This my sound incredibly strange and naive but, when I had my first babies, I knew we were having babies but didn't realize we were having grown-ups. Guess I was really shortsighted. But then what does realize mean? It means when something becomes real, right? After all, those babies were babies and not grown people. But knowing this now, that they are adults..makes me see things so differently. Some are no longer little ones with all of their sweet and winning ways. Now they are comrades, supporters, friends, advisers and hopefully, ultimately Sisters and Brothers in the Lord! Neither of us can dwell for very long on any one of our children without joyful, thankful tears welling up from our hearts. No matter what, the love is there; strong and deep. It is unconditionally felt and given. Parents know what I mean. Man is the crowning glory of creation; children are like trophies. They are gifts from God. We cast those crowns at His feet. Amazing God! He alone can take the love of two people, add His life and breath and Spirit and gift the whole world with a person made in His image with the capacity to love and bring more glory to Himself. Being so used is humbling. Being so blessed is exalting.

God is able to do for us above and beyond what we could ever ask or think. That's what He's done! That's what He does! That's what He will continue to do for all eternity. Beyond what we could ever ask or think! Through all of the hard and scary times, the hurts and wrongs and through every aspect of our future... there is God blessing us beyond imagination. That's what we have to look forward to. That's where we rest.


We rest on thee
Our shield and our defender
We go not forth alone against the foe
Strong in thy strength and in thy keeping tender
We rest on thee in in thy name we go

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know.
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing.
We rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go.

We rest on Thee,
Our shield and our defender
Thine is the battle,
Thine shall be the praise.
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest on Thee through endless days.
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor.
Victors we rest on Thee through endless days.

Dear Lord,
Thank you so very much for blessing our lives with all of these years of happiness. Never let us take anything for granted, not our health or your provision. Hold all of our children in the palm of your hand and use their lives for your glory. Thank you that whatever the future brings we can rest in you. And thank you for special days like anniversaries to help us number our days and reflect on your mercies.

Yours,
Leslie