May Baskets - The Joy of Giving

I was reminded recently of the tradition of leaving May Baskets on someone's doorstep on May 1st. Beautiful spring flowers, maybe with a sweet treat, left anonymously. No glory, no thanks, just the joy of giving.

It's a shame that so many traditions like this have fallen to the wayside. I'm not going to preach about how busy we are on the internet, emailing, on the phone, texting, working, running to and fro. But, I wish our society wasn't on the track of getting more and more self-absorbed and used to the short-cuts of life that technology provides.

I applaud my sisters for continuing to send hand written notes and cards through the mail. Those touch my heart in ways that texts and emails never seem to be able to do. And I know a basket left on my door would warm my soul in the same way.

I think May Baskets are in my family's future. I'd like to create and deliver some with my children. (Try this link for May Basket ideas for kids.) Perhaps a few of us can keep the beautiful, selfless, giving traditions alive.

Nice Try Mr. Snow Miser

The kids' Easter Break from school commenced with them playing in the yard with shorts and t-shirts for hours on end. They were basking in Spring! In that moment, everything was right in the world.

Then, only a few days later, they were peering out there bedroom windows during a late evening rain and hail storm. The lightning was a bit nerve-wracking for the younger boys. We left the three of them together for a bonding experience when... Stomp, Stomp, Stomp, they ran to the top of the stairs. "Mom! Dad! Frank still has a snowman in his front yard. We see it every day. It's in the street!"

This wouldn't have been a big deal if he lived next door. But, Frank lives two houses down, and around the corner. I ran out in the pelting rain to rescue four-foot-tall, plastic "Frosty" from what clearly a fierce battle between impending Spring and lingering, obstinate Winter.

Then early this morning, it snowed. GASP! It's Easter Break! No snow allowed! I truly expected the snow to stop at day break, but it continued through the morning.

I've been observing the contrast all morning. Daffodils are in full bloom. The grass is green and ready for its inaugural mowing. The falling snow is thick and desperately trying to disguise Spring, if only for a moment, its last hurrah. I'm sorry to say, Mr. Snow Miser, you are failing.

The tree buds and flowers and rejuvenated lush, green grass are full of the heat of the approaching summer. The snow succumbs on contact and melts into the thirsty earth. More nourishment for the burgeoning growth.

The victory of Spring is invigorating. Nice try Mr. Snow Miser..... Fail!

I Hear You Washing Machine....

I can hear my washing machine rumbling in the basement. I am ignoring it. It must be unbalanced, but that's okay, isn't it? I guess I relate. I don't want anyone rushing in to fix me, so I won't rush in to fix it. I'll give it some space. That's what I've been doing. Taking my space.

I really needed some space for awhile. I had defined my life just the way I wanted it. Wife. Mother. Worship Director. Gardener. But all of that was shaken, and it's probably just as well. It's possible I was letting my labels define me instead of my labels describing me.

I've felt compassion for my sister lately who is living betwixt and between. I think sometimes when we are betwixt and between, we don't always know just what we are betwixt and between. I don't.

If we're not careful, ambiguity in life can whittle away at our convictions and passions. I did take a much needed break with introspection. I've gained wisdom and patience and compassion for the broken (which is all of us, really). But now it's time. It is time to stretch and arise. Time to awaken my rested soul. (I will do this slowly because I might black-out if I get a head-rush. I have low blood pressure.)

I am taking the next step. It is time to emerge. I'm 38. I am entering adulthood with new clarity and calmness. But, I'll may be posting her in 3 years starting over again. Who knows? There is always so much to learn, so many ways to grow. I'm just not sure I want to be betwixt and between again. I want to live, be proactive, not hide and be proud of who God made me to be (even if some others aren't. )

I need more balance. I've been rumbling in the basement, and my loved ones have let me. I needed my space. I needed some time. More balance, more living... It's time to come upstairs and re-balance.

(I hope I don't back down.)

Mommy Moments

Yesterday my almost 9-yr-old- son used his class-earned funny money, during the 3rd grade end-of-semester auction, to buy me this beautiful reminder of his love for me. He knows I drink coffee or tea every day and now when I do, I will be elated by his expression of love and appreciation. These are the moments mothers live for.

Today my baby girl made a game of picking up Cherrios from the kitchen floor (Which she expelled from her highchair at breakfast this morning. Yes! It's an hour later and I haven't swept them up yet.) and depositing them in the VCR. This is so much cuter than when my boys did it because now-a-days the VCR is useless anyway. (It is still sitting in the living room even though we only watch DVDs.) So, all that considered, it was really entertaining, even when she got her hand stuck in the VCR and did her pathetic, dramatic, fake cry. Adorable!

Last night, my 7-yr-old son exclaimed, "Oh, man!" and pouted with conviction when his favorite contestant, Didi Benami, was voted off of American Idol. He was trying to understand me as I explained she might still make an album. All of my kids were asking, "What is an album?" Oh. Right. "A CD, I mean." They started nodding and I heard a chorus of 'Ohs.' (Gee, I'm old.) He wanted to know if she was going to make an album, I mean CD, for sure and how quickly he could get it. So sweet.

I live for this stuff. It is bizarre how these moments can be so satisfying and fulfilling, but there is no denying their power over me.