So here’s a glimpse into the kind of mother I really am. When we drove to Valparaiso to meet my parents and get the kids, I wasn’t waiting in anticipation, eager to get my little lovelies back. I wasn’t longing to hug them. I was thinking, “But my house is clean. The dishes are done. The laundry is done. Their beds are made. The bathrooms are clean. The toilets are actually flushed.”

For three full days, we were quiet and calm. We could be crazy if we wanted to, but we didn’t want to. Because, let’s face it – this house is all kinds of crazy the other 362 days of the year. We spent lots of hours just laying on the couch watching TV without singing cartoon people that I wanted to slap. We had DeBrands and ColdStone for supper. We went to a movie with the free passes from the dentist (awesome!).

However, I am overwhelmed with the thought that I am everything to these children, and they love me so, so much no matter how many times I screw this up. They’ve forgiven me more than anyone else. They look to me to provide for their every need. How amazing would my walk with Christ be if I looked to Him the way they look to me? How thankful am I that He doesn’t

get frustrated and drained the way I do!