Thankful Thoughts

What surprised me this week?

My husband is a do-it-yourselfer. This characteristic was passed down from his father. For example when the hubs was a young boy his parents decided to put in a swimming pool. They had four "strapping" sons so instead of hiring someone with a backhoe to dig the hole, his father gave each one of his sons a pick and shovel and put them to work. It took the good part of a summer to get 'er done. Soon after we married my husband told me that story. At the time I thought his father was on the cruel side to demand such from his boys. Later, after I'd birthed five boys of my own, I realized my father-in-law's perfect wisdom. He kept his boys busy and out of trouble for most of the summer with that and other similar projects. Pure genius.

My husband couldn't help but be influenced by his upbringing. This became apparent for the umpteenth time this week when he decided to take down one of our sickly aspen trees in our backyard. Instead of going next door and asking our neighbor if he could {please} borrow his chain saw, the hubs decided to hack it down on his own. The necessary tools were assembled ... saw, hatchet, ax, son-in-law. What surprised me was this: They had that tree down in no time. Usually when the hubs takes on a project with his bare hands, it involves the passage of time and a few choice words (mostly mine). This time that tree was felled lickity-split. Much of the credit is due to our son-in-law who has been lifting weights this summer and has the upper-body strength of an ox. {Bless him.} I'm grateful.

What inspired me this week? 

Recently I was asked to be a teacher for the women's organization of our church. Next week I'll teach my first lesson entitled, "Family Responsibilities." The lesson discusses the responsibilities of fathers, mothers, and children within the family. I've read this lesson a number of times, but this week I had an experience that gave me more insight than reading material ever could...

I have a close friend and neighbor who recently required major surgery. She has a young family and her parents live with them. I went over to my friend's home a couple of times this past week to visit her, and each time I went I noticed her mother busy at work. She was either cooking, cleaning, or herding small children here or there -- all with a light heart and a smile on her face. Through her actions she happily nurtures, teaches, and serves. She is such a wonderful example to me of a loving and effective mother. She takes her responsibilities and commitments to heart -- especially when times are difficult. 

We often think of "responsibilities" as something difficult or burdensome, but the responsibilities associated with motherhood have been such blessing in my life. It's a role that gives my life purpose, definition and direction. It also requires more of me than any other aspect of my life, thus demanding growth and fostering maturity.

I am inspired by wonderful examples of motherhood in my life and by the ever-changing, always challenging role of motherhood that is mine.