Friday, June 6, 2008

Delight vs. Tolerate

I just got done making Peanut Butter cookies with Caleb. He was supposed to be napping. However, sleep would not come for him at his regular nap time. His brothers were both asleep, yet Caleb was inconsolable as he lay in his toddler bed. Usually, I am a stickler and do not give in to tantrums. I was getting ready to start on my "to do" list, when the overwhelming desire to make cookies with Caleb came over me. This does not typically happen. So, I went into his room and retrieved a very grateful 3 year old. We made our way to the kitchen and he helped me make cookies with the sheer delight. I let him eat brown sugar and fingers full of peanut butter. He helped me use the mixer and we each licked a "beater" clean.

Once the cookie making process was done and we had each had a glass of milk, I sent him back to his room. I didn't hear a sound from him for two hours. I guess he was hungry for some "Mommy" time. I find that even though I'm home with the boys all day long, that I sometimes don't spend the time with them that I need too. I get wrapped up in volunteer projects, checking email, talking on the phone, cleaning, laundry...you get the picture. My prayer lately is that I will delight in my children...not just tolerate them. Anyone else feel that way?

3 comments:

Jill said...

Connie - I think this is a great thought. I think that a lot of moms, myself included, find ourselves getting so caught up in the task of getting through each day that we forget to take joy in our children.. :) We have to enjoy them while their little..they do grow up so quickly!

You with us said...

Amen, amen! I feel so much that way. Here's to delighting in these gifts of God!

Jenni said...

I completely, completely, completely agree and say AMEN! It is so challenging to not make my children part of my "To Do" list. I pray that they will know that I LOVE being around them and thoroughly enjoy their company (at least most of the time:>).