Image by jeffreyw / flickr.com
Last Sunday I wrestled through my church meeting with five children. This included a baby who woke up earlier than usual and was far past due for a nap, a three year old that had too much energy, two sisters wanting to argue for an hour straight, and an eight year old who kept asking such questions as, “How much longer?” and “Is anyone coming over tonight?”
My patience was almost gone. As I was trying to settle my fussy baby, I couldn’t help but notice a single lady sitting right by me, thoughtfully taking notes as she listened to the speaker. Notes!? I was semi-aware of what the speaker was talking about, but note-taking? At that moment, being able to take notes and internalize the speaker’s message seemed luxurious. I felt a brief pang of envy, and momentarily daydreamed about such luxuries as sitting alone in a meeting and feeling motivated and inspired, rather than frustrated and weary.
My daydream was soon interrupted by my questioning son, “What are we having for dinner tonight?” With gritted teeth and an expression that implied, do not ask any more questions, I whispered, “We’re having homemade hamburgers.” My son’s eyes lit up, a little giggle escaped, and a louder-than-appropriate voice said an exaggerated, “YYEEESSSSSS.” Being my pickiest eater he added, “Don’t change your mind, ok?”
I smiled. I even let out a little giggle myself. My frustration and my weariness dissipated, and I looked over at the note-taking lady with different eyes. I felt badly that she didn’t have someone to tell, “We’re having homemade hamburgers tonight.”
A few hours later when the dinner preparation was beginning, I realized I had forgotten to buy hamburger buns. The all too familiar frustrating and weary thoughts were about to return, but as I contemplated changing the menu, I remembered the excited plea, “Don’t change your mind, ok?”
As seven members of my family sat around the table eating homemade hamburgers on less than fresh, slightly freezer burned hamburger buns, I smiled. I looked at the kitchen counter scattered with dishes and hamburger fixings, I glanced at the high chair with a feeding-himself-one–year-old-disaster, and I glanced at the other faces, happily eating and talking. I was enjoying a very simple, brief moment of happiness and joy. I knew in that moment that sitting alone in a meeting, internalizing a speaker’s message, even taking notes, is a luxury I’m happy to forgo for now.
Even if it includes eating stale hamburger buns once in a while.
QUESTION: How do you find a reason to smile when you would rather cry?
CHALLENGE: Look around you and identify a few simple joys amidst the frustrations of day-to-day life.
3 comments
Stacey says:
Aug 17, 2011
Submitted on 5-31-2010 at 08:16am
What a great post! I have been there, envying someone who was able to listen. I’ve envied clean houses and peace and quiet. But when it comes down to it, I’ll take my mess with all the children over quiet any day. Sometimes we just need little reminders!
Rebecca Kohler says:
Aug 17, 2011
Submitted on 5-30-2010 at 09:34pm
When I was a teenager I asked an older friend of mine with young children how a person could find total fulfillment in motherhood. She said, “Total fulfillment is hearing my son tell his friend, ‘My mom makes the best spaghetti sauce in the world.’” As mothers we are especially blessed when we treasure the little things.
Believe me when I tell you that I can relate to the sitting-through-church insanity. Hopefully I can remember to relish the company while I have them. I wonder if the single, notetaking woman wished she had a whole family to share a package of buns with.
saren says:
Aug 17, 2011
Submitted on 5-30-2010 at 02:21pm
I love this reminder! It’s SO easy to get into that “grass is greener” mentality. But it never helps anything. We can find things to like and love in our lives every day. And we can find things to envy in others’ lives and dislike in our own. It’s our choice.