One that still has much to learn can still teach what he knows.
After my “where are my mentors” whining post I’ve been thinking alot about learning from others. I read one of the links about bringing others along the path you’ve travelled and I was shocked by the part about asking God to send mentors into your life if you’re lacking them. What a concept. How have I missed that?
I was also surprised at my comfort that those who are further along in raising lots of littles still have their own struggles with raising lots of olders. I’ve struggled with continuing to give advice about having 2 children under 2 when I’m struggling so much with having 5 children under 8. But it made me realize that just because we need someone to teach us the next step in this child-raising dance that we might still have the first few steps down to an art. We have something to offer. We still have much to learn.
And it also got me to thinking – am I taking advantage of the teachers that are already in my life?
Just a day or two after that post we had a repairman come over. While I was filling out the check, my sons were nosing around his truck. They commented on the type of flashlight he had and that we used to have one just like it. I laughed and added, ”Yes, but I’m sure his still works since he doesn’t have little ones ‘playing’ with it.” He smiled and said with a wink, “Actually, my workers are frequently taking the batteries out of them on a job site to put in other necessary tools and forgetting to replace them. So I’m also without a working flashlight alot. But you know, it’s just stuff. I could stay on my men to keep the trucks cleaner and replace batteries, but I’d probably lose a lot of my good workers over stuff. A lot like raisin’ young’n's, right?”
It was nothing new. But a much-needed reminder. The Teacher sent me a teacher at a time that I needed to relearn an old lesson. Certainly not how or who I’d have thought it would be. But a learning moment all the same.
What are some of your unexpected moments? Who were some of your unlikely teachers? Is it as hard for you to be teachable as it is me?!
Reminds me of the story about the Mom wanting to do School during NapTime…turns out, the baby (who would be napping), is the REAL lesson.
But still hard, I know. I lost it over running out of printer ink, and messy hair this morning…
BTW, I LOVE your new header…really LOVE it (I sooo need one:).
Have a great Day Suzanne!
i haven't heard that before, but i LOVE it!
yeah, i nearly lost it today over the 2 year old's constant interruptions
during our read aloud.
thank you!! spring time inspired me!
and you too, sweet mama! (by the way while typing this – i just got peed on
by the baby – thought you would appreciate that!)
It's the little reminders that have a big impact for me too.
Some of the times I get most stressed out is coming in the house after getting out of the van or vice versa. Everybody wants food and drink immediately, even before I'm in the house myself, I only have so many hands and usually end up having to leave somebody out there for a few moments while I get others and all their equipment inside. Then, as I'm getting the last one in, I'm bombarded with requests, kids are underfoot and in the way, and at least one of them is melting down about something. Makes my heart race just typing this.
Today was no different. I just had the youngers with me, and Ella was beyond done with being hungry. But I had to go to the bathroom and told her that she'd have to wait a little briskly, like she can understand that, and plopped her on the floor, only to have her redouble her efforts at fussing. I continued to the bathroom.
Cooper (will be 3 on Sunday) came up to me and said, “Why did you say it like that? She's a NICE baby.” Lesson learned.
What a wonderful reminder! And how well said too! It's just stuff… why loose relationships over it? Thanks!
What a wonderful reminder! And how well said too! It's just stuff… why loose relationships over it? Thanks!
How much do I love your new banner but ESPECIALLY your new tag line. I love your new tag line. Please don't EVER change it. It's perfect.
Oh, and on topic….I was frustrated with my girls one day at the store and I wasn't yelling at them or anything but neither was I enjoying them, m'kay? This sweet fat little old man with his belt up to his armpits came over and patted me on the back and said, “It's a short walk from now till they move out.” I really needed to hear that. An older person's perspective who realizes how fast it all goes.
oh, girly. my heart breaks for you just reading it. i know. i KNOW!
i used to call it re-entry. like what the astronauts go through when they
re-enter the atmosphere (at least in the movies!)? the burning off of
everything on the outside of the little ship. the shaking. the astronauts
passing out or nearly passing out. the falling into the ocean. and then
the walking back to the hangar all proud and accomplished in slow motion
once everything is over.
it happens every.single.time. and usually the kids have napped (or rested)
in the van on the way home and i've driven – so i'm ready to crash. just to
have to hit the ground running! i know. i KNOW!
i'm so sorry. i love you. you're such a good mama! do you know it? do
you believe me?
yay! thanks for the feedback! i feel so springy with the new look. i've
been wanting to change everything for awhile – but where is the time? i
gave up nearly 5 hours of sleep the other night to get it done, but i'm so
happy now! i keep looking at it. i wish i could spend 5 hours and make my
house look all new and springy!
you do like the tag line? thinking of putting it on a blog card to reach
out to others. i've really felt a calling for a long time to help others i
meet in real life. i want to put something in their hands to connect with
me. i need to figure out how to make my site more first time user-friendly
now.
thanks again!
i know! i have to remind myself frequently though when all my little
munchkins are destroying everything in sight! thanks for stopping by!
Great post!
I loved the link to the letter about finding mentors.
I am an “older mom” … hate the “older” part, as I still have a house full of little ones, too. But, I have a PASSION to support and encourage young mamas. However, I find that many young mama's are “too busy”, or don't really see any need to learn from the “older woman”. So sad! When I was a young mama, I would have LOVED to have a mentor to walk me through the tough stuff.
While I only have 1 young mama that I am walking through life with, in real life, I have found a handful of young mama bloggy friends, that seem to appreciate the encouragement and support. I will keep blogging, keep writing, keep sharing, and keep praying for the young women that live on the little island that we recently moved to. I believe there are women here who might like to have a mentor, I just haven't figured out how to find them.
mama of a dozen
I love the unexpected mentors…just wish I'd recognize them and listen more often. I'm sure I miss so much.
I have two dear friends who, after long and hard struggles, finally were able to have children (one through adoption.) They remind me kindly and often that I am SO blessed. My grandparents are amazing, also, and teach by example.
I just wish I could learn the lessons once and for all; get rid of my impatience and noise-overload reactions, my schoolwork “agenda,” and people-pleaser tendencies. Why is it so hard to just STOP and cuddle, enjoy and appreciate. I think I need a big sign for my house as a reminder.
Oh, and I love your header and the title!!
Laurel, I love that you came back. I really really appreciate you and your
passion. I will be scouring your blog and thriving on your encouragement
over the coming days. I can't thank you enough nor tell you how much you, a
complete stranger, has blessed me already. Thank you. Again and again.
Wendy- I know. Me too. I wish I would learn too. I have noticed I'm at
least aware of my sin now in the midst of my sinning as opposed to only
afterwards like I used to. It's progress. I have every single one of the
issues you listed. Noise-overload reactions. Oh my. Just tonight. I fought
back my insanity because it was just too much. And all they wanted was..
me. And the schoolwork agenda. ugh. Yesterday I shushed BigMan repeatedly
because I had things to teach the olders. When really, I should have
stopped and caught the ladybug for him. The moment is gone. I don't know
why it's so hard. I hate it. I hate my flesh and it's earthly tendencies.
Hate.
Funny you mention needing a sign. The chapter in The Secret Garden
about “Let them Laugh!” – really resonated with me. I love Mrs. Sowerby!
And decided to paint those words over my chalkboard wall. I'll share pics
when I do it. I need the constant reminder as well. And that verse from way
back that I painted in the kids' bathroom?
http://www.thejoyfulchaos.com/bees-to-the-extreme/ It was more for me than
for them!
Tomorrow – I'll pray for you as I think of you. You – me? Deal?