I am emotionally drained. The past two weeks have been very difficult for our family. Most of my stress and exhaustion stem from foster care. Unfortunately I cannot go into detail, but I can say that I am beyond tired.
Usually when I am this drained, I really struggle with being a mom. But that has not been the case this time around. During the past two days I have had such blessed moments with each of my children.
My oldest son stayed up later than the younger ones last night. So he and I sat on the couch and read books and played a quick game of "Sorry!". We talked about school and some trouble he was having with some kids. This big seven year old boy stretched across my lap, gave me kisses and told me how much he loved me. He also made sure to remind me that I was not allowed to kiss him in front of his friends. It was a sweet moment and one that I desperately needed.
This morning, my husband made him a bowl of corn flakes for breakfast. My oldest began to ask his daddy for a banana, but changed his mind and asked me to cut up the banana onto his cereal. It was a time when I felt needed and wanted as a mom. No one can cut his bananas like his mommy. And I love it!
My youngest son is a character. He can be very difficult most days, but then he does something cute. Today was no exception. He woke up with a crinkled up nose and a mass of curly bed-head hair. He grunted and curled up in my lap. Then I asked him what day it was. He imediately grinned his huge dimpled grin. He was so excited it was Friday and his day for show-and-tell. He is the poster child for "TGIF".
And finally our foster daughter. She is as much of a challenge as my younger son, but on a different level. Yesterday I had a chance to spend some much needed one-on-one time with her. We talked and laughed, played memory and cuddled on the couch watching cartoons. It was beautiful!
God is an amazing God who knows exactly what I need and when I need it. Today is a day when I love being a mom. I wouldn't trade it for the world. These are the moments I want to remember on the tough days. I encourage you to write down your own sweet moments with your children. Keep them on hand to remember all of the wonderful things God does for us! He is so awesome!
Psalm 143:5
2 comments:
Karin - I would have to say that through the lows of foster care (and some lows were very low) that we were able to develop a deeper appreciation for our children and our whole family. Those special moments became all that much sweeter. AND it was through those storms that God took the opportunity to refine us and make us stronger. Those lessons don't fade with time.
So keep appreciating it all because they DO need you and they DO appreciate you. You are a great advocate for all your kiddos. Know that we are praying for you all, especially over these next few months. None of it is easy but just think how much STRONGER you are becoming!! ;) (Okay, bad joke!!)
Praying for God's strength to get you through these times. Love, N
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