Dirty Spoons and Smelly Socks

During a recent family get-together, my sister in law was asking for advice about appliances we have bought and decisions we have made in building our homes. Every adult in the room had advice to give. We told her to get 2 dishwashers, child-locks on those dishwashers and very efficient washing machines. We alerted her to the need for everything to be easy to clean. We talked about how much laundry we do and how almost every surface gets sticky. The conversation evolved into how kids leave shoes everywhere, have mental blocks on getting dishes in the dishwasher and how our cars smell like feet and cut grass after their sports activities.

We laughed and compared notes and then we realized that our conversation had quite possibly intimidated my precious sister in law. She is a young mom with a 1 year old at home and a baby on the way. All the other parents in the room had made it through the toddler years and were now figuring our way through grandparenting, adolescent and teenage parenting. As we painted her a picture of our crazy lives, we made sure to add comments about how much we love parenting.

Adolescent shoe stink is beastly, but we adore those kids and their smelly feet. I can’t remember how to do Algebra, but I love that they ask. Repetitive and identical permission forms continue to need my signature and insurance numbers, but it is a great blessing to be responsible for them. Teens will initiate conversations about health, politics or religion just to be argumentative, but they are choosing to talk to us. The laundry machines are constantly in use because the kids live at home, and I love that they live here.

We have already launched our first-born. I don’t do her laundry, pick up her dirty peanut butter spoon off the coffee table or trip over her shoes anymore. Her stinky volleyball kneepads have left the building and I don’t have to wait up for her on Saturday nights. In 5 more years, we will have launched the other 3.

It is easy to get overwhelmed with the arguments, smells and laundry, but it is a season….and it is short. If you are a parent, please remember with me that this is a divine appointment. The God of the Universe has given you the gift and privilege of raising these kids. You will need His help to do it and many days, you will need His help to enjoy it.

As I have had the blessing of sharing my life and parenting experiences with you, many of you have kindly shared your life-lessons and encouragement. Thank you. Please keep doing so. I sincerely hope you know that I LOVE being a mom. Every parent understands the roller-coaster adventure of raising children. It goes up and down and makes you laugh, scream, gasp for air and even vomit, but it is a thrill. I know that in the years to come, my washing machine will get a lot more rest and menu planning will be much more eclectic than tacos, pizza and mac-n-cheese. I know I will miss this time that currently seems endless. As I make a conscious effort to celebrate this season,I hope  you too will find the joy of goldfish crumbs in your car, spoons on your coffee table and dozens of mismatched athletic socks.

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11 (NIV)