One of my most favorite Bible verses is found in Luke's telling of the Christmas story, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19).
Never has there been two more perfect words to describe motherhood than "treasuring" and "pondering." I do both quite often.
I also rip my hair out by the roots sometimes. But, since that doesn't really fit my Bible verse today, we'll just say pondering encompasses a lot.
Today it encompasses capturing everyday moments.
I'm constantly taking mental snapshots of moments flying by. Moments that could never quite be captured by a camera. So, I tuck them in my heart and pray they never fade.
The rush of excitement on my youngest son's face as he flashes his Learner's permit in front of my face.
It only took 3 tries to convince the state he is capable of getting behind the wheel of a fast moving metal object. It will take a lot more to convince his mama. Oh my sweet boy, the freedom of driving comes with a daunting responsibility. When your daddy and I make you sign a 12 page driver's contract, it will aggravate your impatient teen aged self. But one day, you will come to appreciate our careful considerations for you.
The smirk on my oldest teenager's face as he tries to convince me that he needs a nicer car.
Oh sweet son, I pray life teaches you that happiness can't ever be bought. Your dad and I know this now. That's why we won't help you buy that shiny, fast, gonna make you look so cool, car. Your run down clunker that you had to pay half for is more of a gift than what you can possible know right now.
The concentrated look on my daughter's face as she sits and does her homework, unaware of my stare.
Quietly, her mind is taking hold of concepts that explain how this world works. Oh sweet girl, I pray you never loose an appreciation that science can only go so far in explaining things. The Lord reigns in the mysterious and unexplainable. That's where faith steps in and ties all the loose ends up with God's chords of peace.
The blushed look on my other daughter's face as she whispers to me that a boy likes her.
Suddenly boys are not quite so annoying to her anymore. I look upon this teen aged face and memories flood my mind with pictures of her as a baby, toddler and small school girl. Oh sweet girl, how fun it can be to have a boy think you are cute. However, I wish squash him like a bug if he tries to hold your hand or kiss your lips. Oh yes ma'am I will. And no you can't go to the movies with him.
One day you will thank me. Ahem.
The sheer bouncy joy on my youngest girl's face, as she declares with great excitement that American Girl doll clothes fit her Christmas elf.
Oh the world of possibilities that have now been opened for the elf. The last little strands of childhood wonder are hanging by a thread with this baby of mine. In just a few days, she will turn 10. And before I know it, she will be flashing a learner's permit, thinking of cars, studying concepts that are now beyond me, and blushing because a boy thinks she's cute.
Oh sweet girl, can I hold you one more night- before time steals you away and makes you all grown up?
Somehow, Christmas especially brings out in me a desire to treasure and ponder.
Maybe while Mary gave Jesus to the world, she also gave us moms one little extra gift. The reminder to treasure and ponder and store up all these things in our hearts.
For all those everyday moments that seem in such abundance now, will all too soon...
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sniff... sniff.
Don't forget about the One Cool Christmas Contest I'll be posting tomorrow. If you want to invite people over to your give away, I'll have a Mr. Linky set up for you to do just that. Just think about what you will be giving away and post about it tomorrow. And oh my stars, some of you have hinted at what you'll be giving and I can't wait.
It will be fabulously fun!
Here is the button we'll be using. Just make sure to put a link back to my site, so everyone can continue hopping around after they visit your place. See you tomorrow!
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