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Blossoming

May 16, 2014

By Tineke Ziemer

May 17^th, 2014

making a difference

The kids came running into the house today asking if they could go pick up garbage at the Veneer Rd lookout. It’s just a short bike ride from our house. The cliff drops off with incredible views at a dead end road and the kids love to bike there to take it all in. Others come and go, leaving behind their trash, and the growing pile was becoming impossible to ignore.

My children grabbed a garbage bag and headed out, returning half an hour later and proudly showing how full it was. I love these kids. It makes a momma’s heart proud to see them blossoming into such beautiful little souls, willing to serve others and offering to help where they see a need.

It wasn’t so long ago I remember being at my wit’s end trying to get them to clean up the messes they made all over the house as toddlers. They went from one room to the next, like little tornadoes bent on destruction. I often wondered how two little bodies could create such giant messes.

I reflected on that today as we made dinner together, the kids chopping veggies and washing lettuce while I cooked the chicken and made the dressing. Those younger years passed so quickly, and every mess was really an opportunity to teach them a new lesson about life. And maybe a chance for me to learn some lessons too. Watching them cheerfully work, I feel so thankful that God uses the messes of life to give us occasions to develop character.

Thought for the Day

Isn’t it incredible that we have the gift of raising children who can grow up to make a difference in the world?
We bring these little people into being, doing everything for them, cleaning up after them and struggling with them to become independent. At times it seems like a mother’s work is never done. We fall into bed exhausted at night, counting the hours left to sleep, convinced that we’re failing as parents. But then one day, they blossom right in front of our eyes, and we realize - it worked! Somehow in this midst of our crazy, hectic, unpredictable life, our children turned out pretty darn okay. In fact, I am right proud of who they have become.