Our home is different this weekend. The girls we’ve been fostering for 2 years are spending 4 days and 3 nights at their bio-mom’s place. This is their 2nd weekend away from us. The boys and I are doing okay. It is good and it is sad.
THE GOOD part of not having two under the age of 2 years old around and all the noisy exuberance that comes with their chatter.
When they are away from us, we take out the girls’ car seats from the middle row of our van and the boys move up from the back to the middle. The three of us get to chat easier this way.
We have the way-back of the van to use for groceries instead of trying to fit items in and around our feet and piled high on the front passenger seat of our tiny, 6-passenger, 1998 Honda Odyssey.
It is exceedingly quieter in the house and in our van. I seem to have more brain power since I’m not monitoring whether or not Bethany (2) has unbuckled herself from her car seat AGAIN or trying to tune out Hadassah (1) and her joy-filled, yet ear-piercing squeals of glee as she sees yet another hot air balloon, cloud, banner, car, bird, big truck, or Chick Fil A.
Another bonus, no poopie diapers to change! Although Josiah suggested we save some of the poopie diapers lest we forget that smell after they leave us. (I hope he was kidding!)
It is very good for my heart to hear Peter speak of missing the girls when he often complains about the trials of a 2-year-old and 1-year-old breezing through our home.
THE SAD part of not having two under the age of 2 around —
Meal time is certainly quieter, but far less entertaining. We miss their silly approach to meals as they learn to pray with us, use utensils, and try new foods.
Walking by their bedroom, dark and unoccupied, elicits a melancholy feeling.
No little Bethany coming into my room in the early morning to wake me up. Apparently, I’ll have to start setting an alarm again. A sweet whisper and nudge is much preferred to the blaring beep of an alarm clock!
No puddles of drool to dodge or swab from my face, deposited there by a constantly teething 1-year-old. (I know that sounds like this should appear in the previous category, but baby-drool is truly a sweet reminder that I’m serving as Hadassah’s mommy.)
Yes, it is quieter around here this weekend. My sons and I notice the void. Last weekend I cried hard when we dropped them off. This weekend is a bit easier. I’m okay that it is easier. I’m glad my sons and I can still have fun together. We can build memories with the girls and without the girls.
Today we had such a great day together. We spent 4 hours at the archery range, had a picnic at the base of the mountain, and dreamed up some big plans if we ever get to hit the road.
Thank you for praying for us. When circumstances are painful or sad, I cling to Jesus and wait for Him to lead me through it. Sometimes, even in the midst of the pain, He lifts my heart in praise. That is what happened today at the base of the mountain while Josiah and Peter yummed and grinned their way through our delicious picnic lunch.
THE EXCELLENT part of any transition is that I know GOD is with us always. I know this. But in my human frailty, I am so thankful for these times when He gives us beauty for ashes and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness . This part of His character is described in Isaiah 61:3 —
To grant unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.
AMEN.
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