Reminders Found in My Rear View Mirror

"Pity Parties" come and visit me often, especially this time of year. They are not always invited, but arrive none the less.

I am so vulnerable and fall easy prey to self pity when I've been beaten down by dreary winter days, endless illnesses (mostly with the boys), and now my husband's busy season. When he's not traveling, he's often at work late into the night trying to get ready for the next meeting.

Yes, it is utterly exhausting to chase after and care for 2 boys, 3 years old and under for 12 hours straight with no break. However, I know many circumstances that could be MUCH more difficult.

My in-laws are awesome and often help out when they can. Last night they did just that. On the way home from their house I found that I was, once again, feeling sorry for myself and the fact that I had to once again get the boys ready and down for bed by myself. I knew they were so tired, I felt even more so.

It was then that I heard a still small voice of the Lord that simply asked if I would take a peek in the rearview mirror.

Just as I did that, I saw the most beautiful pairs of sparkling eyes belonging to my children looking back at me. My cold and tired heart was immediately warmed and refreshed.



THEY are what I have always wanted and dreamed about since I was 3! THEY are so precious and beautiful! THEY really are a gift from above. And THEY are all MINE!

THAT is what I needed to be reminded of. Once I took my eyes off myself for a moment, I really realized again that I am SO blessed to be a mom. Not only a mom but this mom.

Every mom has things that pull her down and exhaust her...that's motherhood. But, in the midst of being a mom, it's good to remember that it takes our kids to make us a mom. And they are a gift to us...even when we don't feel like it.

Seared into my heart are the beautiful images of my sweet little boys' eyes -- both sets of them sparkling in the moonlight as we drove home.

Thank you, Lord for my precious boys. I love them so dearly and love to see glimpses of them through Your eyes! Thank you for this rear-view reminder that ended my pity party...at least for the night! :)