Back to School TV Commercials and A Mother's Prayer

Like many others, I am preparing my children for back to school.  My daughter will enter her last year of middle school and my son will be finishing his last year of elementary school.

I have mixed feelings-- in one way, so incredibly proud of them and knowing they are ready to continue to explore and learn and grow. In another way, not wanting to let them go but instead to hold on tightly. I feel as if the clock has accelerated and time is passing way to quickly. It is an amazing ride but flying by sometimes in a blur. I want to beg for it to stop. But time must advance for them to be able to reach their full potential... and for me to reach mine.

The commercials I see on TV right now feature moms and kids in assorted states of household chaos. The punchline is always something about the mom getting to have peace and rest after her kids return to school. They show a picture of a happy and content looking mom because it is "September". Perhaps some moms feel this way--but not every mom. In fact, that doesn't reflect how I feel at all.

First, I miss my kids when they are away from me at any time. I love having them around and doing life together. The first day of school is always sad for me as I find the house is way too quiet and empty. It feels void of the normal spark and lively rhythm. 

Second, contrary to the TV commercial's view of the mom sitting around, it seems to me that the pace of that accelerated clock picks up even MORE when school resumes.  The fixed schedule of wake-up calls, breakfast, making lunches, signing school forms, driving them to school, volunteering, picking them up, homework, sports, youth group, music lessons, etc. etc. etc.  

Third, I am mindful of the many wise women who have encouraged me to treat these years as precious gems. These women had already raised their children and were in the empty nest stage. They said their houses were always clean now and they had tons of time on their hands--but they longed for the days when their children were once at home. Countless women have reminded me that the days are sweet and they don't last forever. I am thankful for this reminder. Before I know it, another year will have gone by--another treasured year. I keep reminding myself, "Make the most of the moments... make the most each moment."

So as I prepare to entrust my children to others who will partner with me in developing them, I am praying -- continually-- for them (and me). But it is sometimes so hard to know how to pray or what to pray--especially when my heart is sad and my emotions are all over the place. It is sometimes helpful to borrow the words of others--or to have it put in a message that comes with the gentleness of a song.

My sister-in-law shared with me this beautiful song called A Mother's Prayer--she preferred the version by Melissa Manchester.  Click here to listen to the song

A Mother's Prayer

I know you're listening
As I lay me down to sleep
It's not for me, I ask
But my children's souls to keep
It seems the world is going crazy
And though I need to do my share
Could you please, take them under wing
Watch over them especially
Keeping them safe from everything
This is a mother's prayer
I know you're listening
In the silence of this night
The news is blistering
But I hold on to your light
And though there's darkness all around us
By my faith, I know you're there
Give me the strength to lead the way
Send me the words I need to say
Use me to guide them day by day
This is a mother's prayer
I know, I can't do this by myself
I thank you for your help
I know you're listening
So I know, I'm not alone
I feel you here with me
As we all face the unknown
Could you return us to your garden
Where no one's hurt and no one's scared
Free us from pride and bitterness
Keep us so close we won't forget
Teach us to love as you love
This is a mother's prayer
Teach us to love as you love
This is a mother's prayer

Another song that is a beautiful prayer is actually called The Prayer. I prefer the Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli version although the duet has been sung by others. Click to watch and listen to Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli sing it live in New York Central Park  

And as much I love the English and Italian version of The Prayer, I have taken notice that Celine Dion has a modified version also called A Mother's Prayer that adapts the song in a more personal message.  It is beautiful and if you have a son you can modify it to "he" instead of "she"... or perhaps use "them/they'll" if you have multiple children. Click here to listen to Celine Dion sing A Mother's Prayer

A Mother's Prayer

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her to a place
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

Blessings to you as you may also be preparing to send children or grandchildren back to school. May God's peace with them and surround them with love.

------------------------

P.S.  Another song that comes to mind that I sing as a prayer is the 3rd verse of Away in a Manger.  I often sang it as a bedtime lullaby to my children.

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask You to stay
Close by me forever
And love me, I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And fit us for Heaven
To live with You there

Under the Minnesota Sky

We just returned from a quick trip to Minnesota at "Camp Grandpa and Grandma". It was a fun time being with my parents and my brother and his family. It was also a time for my kids to run free, explore, and eat whatever their hearts desired (ANYTHING they asked Grandma for). 

They transformed into "country kids" instantly and set about to catch frogs, pick from the garden, and find creative ways to entertain themselves--like golfing apples from the nearby tree into the lake and smashing garden vegetables with baseball bats (aka- "zucchini smear"). They enjoyed having Grandpa pull them on the tube behind the boat, riding on/driving the 4-wheeler, and taking them on nature walks in the woods and to explore the island out in the lake. 

Oh, and who can forget the zucchini shoot-- the realized potential of massively oversized vegetables in conjunction with high power rifles. I watched my son, Joshua, take his time to scope his shots and send 5 out of 5 rounds through the targets. "That's my boy!" He takes after his mom in his shooting skills! I am glad my children can visit Minnesota and create happy memories. I find joy in watching them thoroughly enjoy themselves in unique ways and granting them space to do so. 

One of my favorite things about being out in the country is the ability to be awed by the night sky. Being able to clearly see the expansive display including the Milky Way is a visual treasure that I keep mentally revisiting. In the Henderson/Las Vegas area where we currently live, most of the stars are washed out due to the bright lights emanating from "The Strip" and the attempt to dazzle 40-50 million tourists annually. 

My husband, Brian, discovered that on the evening of Sunday, Aug 11 there would be prime opportunity to see the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. There was a limited moon that night so the meteor shower would be more clear than usual. We made plans to be outside after 10pm and were blessed that the mosquitoes were not overly pesky. It was a cool night and sweatshirts were welcomed.   

As I stood on the hill overlooking the lake, I let my eyes adjust to the night sky. I enjoyed the moment when we were together and taking time to explore in a new way. I listened to the voices and conversations permeating the darkness. It was nice to be close together and slowing down. I heard my daughter's voice from just beyond my right shoulder, "Wow! I feel so small." I turned and she was gazing up into the expanse of the sky. And we stood there and embraced the moment. While I would normally have rushed for my camera, I found that I was content to "be" fully in the moment and experience it live while surrounded by my family.  

And then it happened. Someone saw the first falling star. There was a giddy excitement and everyone joined in the visual hunt. The star show was spectacular. They shot across the sky from all directions. Some fell fast and quick--others seemed to take longer and leave a larger light trail. Amazing.  

A song that my kids sang in their elementary school choir came to mind. I sung the first line softly but out loud, "Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away." Anna overheard me and briefly joined in. It was a fleeting moment, but a special one that I will not put in my pocket--but instead treasure in my heart. Anna is almost as tall as me now, but I remember watching her singing it when she was smaller. A neat combination of the years lived being present.  

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Never let it fade away

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Save it for a rainy day

Click to Watch "Catch a Falling Star" Video

And for some reason, whenever I am outside looking at the stars, I am always reminded of the song by the band Switchfoot titled "Stars". The lyrics make me think and I love the final course (excerpt below). It helps me transcend myself and be awed about how big God really is.  

Everyone, everyone, we feel so lonely

Everyone, yeah, everyone, we feel so empty

When I look at the stars, when I look at the stars

When I look at the stars I feel like myself

When I look at the stars, the stars

I see someone, oh!

Click to Listen to the Switchfoot song "Stars" - video and lyrics

I borrowed this photo from someone else's view under the Minnesota sky. I invite you to slowdown, enjoy and wonder. What does it make you think about?     

Photo found on Google images- credit to stlouispark.patch.com

Yes, I am a woman. No, I do not consider myself an "issue" in ministry or the church.

Last weekend I sat in the audience when my new friend became the first woman to preach at her church. I was there to give her a big hug and cheer her on. She told me she was nervous, and little comments she used in her talk gave hint that she was still a bit uncertain about her permission to do this as a woman. I had mixed emotions. I felt joy as she naturally shared from her faith experience and heart for God, but also was a little concerned about what would happen next. A few months ago at another local church, I had heard that multiple families quit their church after a woman preached. I also recalled the story of Anne Graham Lotz invited to speak to an audience where the men had stood and turned their backs to her in protest while she did so.* Thankfully- that did not happen to my friend and has not happened to me.

Do I believe all women should preach? No, not necessarily. But another question is, do I believe all men should preach? My answer is the same-- no, not necessarily. My response would be the same in both cases. Are they gifted to do so? Has God called them to that place and time?

I am a woman. I believe that God made me intentionally to be who I am as a woman and as a corresponding part of the fullness of the image of God expressed as male and female (Genesis 1:26-27). I refuse, however, to be called an "issue" as is commonly written or spoken about-- as in "the issue of women in ministry" or the "issue of women's role in the church". I am not an "issue". I am one who is striving to follow Jesus' example, use my gifts as God has given them to me (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4) and to be a full, participating member of the Kingdom of God. I am mindful that I will stand and give account to God (Matthew 12:36 & Romans 14:12) and am striving to be as obedient as I can. I would hope that, if we are followers of Jesus, this is something we would all want for each other. And for clarification, I believe that ministry isn't just for the ordained or those who have churchy titles... it is for all y'all --as God's children live out the moments of each day.

I remember back to the first time I preached. I am thankful for the opportunity provided by my mentor pastor in California who encouraged me to do so.  He told me that since I was a seminary student, I needed to take this step.  I wasn't so sure because I was still working out what it meant that God had called me, or if I could even be qualified as a woman. My religious background was heavily weighted about teaching about Eve being the one who caused Adam to sin, women being silent, and women not being in authority over men. The Bible stories I remember hearing preached or taught as a child and emerging adult seemed to be primarily about male Bible characters. I lacked understanding of the women in the Bible, those who served God, and those who journeyed with Jesus. I lacked the view that all the Bible characters, male and female, served as examples for everyone--not just for those in corresponding genders. This limited view continued as my husband and I attended churches that did not have women pastors or women serving in senior leadership roles who got to sit at the "big table" of discussion and decision making. I got used to checking out church websites before we would visit and find that the staff, elders, and deacons were all males names. Women seemed welcomed to use their gifts but primarily limited to women's ministry, children's ministry, and hospitality (kitchen and food)--sometimes missions and worship--occasionally youth ministry and other areas.

So with the encouragement of my mentor pastor and my husband, I agreed to preach...a leaping penguin moment. It was a Sunday night and I was nervous beyond words. With all the thoughts running through my mind of why I shouldn't or couldn't do what I had agreed to, I decided to take a step of faith to go and see what happened. I had prayed and prepared well. I knew I wasn't trying to be in authority over anyone since I simply wanted to share the overflow of what God had revealed to me in Bible Study and reflection. So when it was my turn during church service that night, I prayed a desperate prayer, swallowed hard, and stood up from my seat to walk forward. Imagine my shock when I felt the Holy Spirit's presence. I don't remember the exact words that flowed out of my mouth, but I remember the message being received by those in attendance and afterwards talked with me about the content.

The intriguing thing about that day was that I remember looking up and seeing a red helium balloon suspended against the backdrop of the white ceiling. It hung there--right over the spot where I stood. I did not realize the rich significance until later. It turns out that the Sunday I first preached was Pentecost Sunday--the day when the Holy Spirit was given to all people (read Acts 1 & 2 for background). Earlier that day, my pastor had used the balloon as a sermon illustration for the children when he explained Jesus had ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit came to us. Acts 2:1-4 tells of the Holy Spirit filling "all of them". To understand in context, you need to refer to Acts 1:13-15 and discover that there were about 120 believers meeting together--men and "the women" including Mary the mother of Jesus. Peter said that this Holy Spirit moment was like what the prophet Joel had written, God's spirit being poured out on all people--sons, daughters, men and women. (Acts 2:17-18)

My mentor pastor said it wasn't intentional that he chose for me to preach on Pentecost Sunday, but I can tell you that God couldn't have planned a better day or image for this visual learner. Whenever I get scared or nervous about stepping out to share what God has put in my heart (preaching, teaching, facilitating, sharing, talking, writing, etc.) -- I remember the red balloon and that day. It also reminds me of how thankful I am of all who have made a way for me to "go and see" and for all those who do so in the lives of others.

*Note:  Read the comments of Anne Graham Lotz at this link.  http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2008/09/jesus_calls_women_to_serve_and.html

Extravagance of the Gift of Senses

This morning I clinked my spoon on the side of my mug as I was finishing stirring the cream and sugar in my Kona coffee. It was a delightful sound and surprised me in the quiet of the morning. I had just come downstairs after peaking in on my sleeping children. I had paused at their doors to watch them sleep. It is one of my treasured moments as a mom...their peaceful faces at rest in their beds is a precious sight...the look of their long eyelashes resting on their cheeks.

It dawned on me once again how amazing and extravagant it is that we have been created with senses to enjoy this world. Can you imagine what life would be like if it did not include seeing, tasting, touching, hearing and smelling?*  It seems like I tend to rush so much through life that I don't take the time to truly enjoy the simple yet profound things around me all the time.

But I do want to enjoy life!  I want to remember to turn my eyes to my children and deeply drink in who they are right now. To connect with their eyes when they speak to me and give them my full attention. I want to try to memorize the moment and savour it. I desire to listen and take in the sounds of their voices and phrases they choose to express themselves. I would like to listen with my whole heart and mind--not thinking about what I want to try say in response but to be fully in the moment.  When I kiss them I hope to pause and feel the softness of their cheek on my lips--and when I hug them I want to feel the embrace and have them feel it in return. I want to pet my kitties and pause to enjoy the feel of their warm and soft coats--and capture the rhythm of their purr in the palm of my hand and fingers.  I hope to take a moment to enjoy it when my Brian and I are joking together and being playful with the kids.  To look at my husband's face when we are laughing at something amusing and see his smile appear on his mouth, face and in the twinkle of his eyes.  I want to feel the warmth of his hand when he reaches over to hold my hand as we drive in the car.

I want to look and take in the sights around me all the time--the blue sky, the clouds, the mountains and delight in the sunsets with each being the unique canvas of The Master Artist at the conclusion of each day. I want to pause when I look at the plants I am growing in the garden or the birds as they float in the air. To sniff the freshness and also record the dusty desert that is part of my experience. I want to take time to watch the green hummingbird that flits from my yellow lantana to my purple lavender.  To delight in the orange dragonfly that occasionally appears. I notice if I will be attentive, I can actually hear the sound of the wings of the hummingbird and dragonfly. Amazing that you can hear something that is moving so fast that the eye can't perceive what is actually happening.

I am going to try to smell before I sip or take a bite of my food today and then think about the experience as a whole when it hits my taste buds-- and delight in it. I am blessed to be fed when so many go without in the world today. The coolness of the next glass of water that I draw from the door of my refrigerator will remind me to be thankful and to pray for those who only wish for a clean cup to satisfy their parched lips.  I will pray--and I will continue to do my part to intentionally help in real, tangible ways.  I want to take seriously my place in the continuation of the total care of creation as God told us to (Genesis 1:29-30, ) and not be a selfish consumer. I am going to try to slow down and enjoy.  I am going to actually use my senses to guide me to a life of thankfulness-- and delight in the simple things and in the grand.

*Note:   I understand that other senses become more developed if certain ones were not developed from birth or after injury.  The stories of those who have been born without certain senses seen to have compensation in their other areas.  I think of the amazing talents of Stevie Wonder (blind) or Helen Keller (deaf and blind). I am mindful of my friends with disabilities who use their gifts and talents in amazing ways in life.  In no way do I want to limit this discussion but am simply reflecting on my personal place in life.