Slow down

I have just put the boys to bed.

It is often at these moments that I glimpse what is vitally important

a slow tasting of time with them.

Sometimes I believe I am too busy to slow even then - there's the dishes to do, the rooms to be tidied, the laundry to be put away, there's the... and the .... and the... and the list goes on.

To slow down, to take the time to really see and to truly listen - that is my privilege as a mother. It is my privilege to see how their hearts are growing. To listen to their stories.

But, oh, how rarely do I really do that.

There is always the next thing to be done -

usually something that feels terribly urgent, but is not vital.

At least not in God's economy.

As their breathing slows, I take the time to breathe. Relishing the very breath that God has given me. Reminding myself how very dependent I am on the Breath of Life - the God of heaven and earth.

Thank You, dearest Father - for bedtime.

For all the precious reminders to slow down. And live.

a Shoebox

We spent the day today shopping for gifts to fill our shoeboxes. I want the boys to know (I want to remember) how exceptionally blessed we are. How much we have.

This year we are participating in Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse. We'd filled shoeboxes a couple of years back, but I wasn't sure if the boys remembered. So, I showed them a couple of YouTube clips about Operation Christmas Child - it was great. I think the videos really brought the idea alive to the boys (and me).

It has been precious to me to hear them praying for the boys who will receive their gifts. It feels like such a small step in guiding them to look beyond themselves, but it is a step. And we move step-by-step.

We spent an afternoon shopping to fill the boxes. I delighted to see how excited the boys were to get things for someone else. One of the most memorable moments was after they had each drawn a picture to include, B asked me; "Mum, do you think he'll like my picture?" He'd put his heart into it.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be with my boys.