Little Treasures

Tonight, I look at my sweet children, with their sleepy eyes, and smile at how God has blessed me. I spend a fair amount of time complaining and whining about the hardships of motherhood. I realized tonight, I spend too little time on its joys.

Being a mom is one of the hardest things I have done and heaven knows that I need improvement. I pray that somehow my children will grow to their potential in spite of my weaknesses.

Moments get rough. Weeks sometimes drag on. But mostly, when I stop to think about it, I realize that the greatest blessing I have in my life is my family. Truly, as long as I have my family, I will be fine.

I used to tell my husband I would be happy living in a cardboard box as long as we were together with our family. I know he may wonder if that is true, but in all honesty, it is the family that makes the home. The sounds that fill our walls are what bring character to our home. The memories we build within the rooms are stronger than brick and mortar. The bonds we form here, last far beyond this lifetime.

Why, then, is it so easy to set these treasures aside for things that don’t matter? Why do I feel the need to explore and create new things when what I have in front of me is more worthy of my time? I need to remember the pure joy that fills my heart when I think of my children.

I love the warm hugs. I love the goofy, mischievous smiles that can’t hide what trouble they are concocting. I love the little noises they make while they sleep. I love that, during good times, they are inseparable. Even when they fight, they can’t stay mad at each other for long. I love that when one gets hurt or sick, the others worry for them. I love the little evidences of themselves they leave behind; a toy car, a doll or Pokémon card.

These little beings that God has seen fit to bless me with are what drive me to keep going from day to day. They are what bring a smile to my face when I feel there are no smiles left. These little children, who are growing so, so fast, are truly my joy.

Sometimes I try to breathe in every second of their happiness, their embraces, their trusting eyes. If only I could capture their hugs, giggles and smiles before they are stolen by the greatest of all thieves, Time.

So tonight, I am grateful for these five precious gifts Hubby and I have been given. Tonight I sleep well, knowing that when I am with my little family, I am right where I need to be.

QUESTION: What has been one of your favorite holiday moments?

CHALLENGE: Take this special moment, and try to freeze it in time. Either by photos, stories, journal entrys, or some other media.

About Kathy Penrod

I am a mom of five children, four active boys followed by an adorable girl full of personality! Almost 15 years into this motherhood thing and still trying to figure out what I am doing. Between carpools, dentist appointments, football practice, and an attempt on personal hobbies -- who has time for dishes??