It is late. I am tired. But I will share briefly what is on my heart.
Our daughter and son-in-law are enjoying a week away celebrating their 5 years together. Amazing to think it’s been half a decade since my husband walked her down the aisle. I have always found writing to be like a pressure valve in my life. When things are challenging or emotionally charged – I write, reflect and pray God helps my perspective become more aligned to His.
We are keeping our two adorable grandchildren for 8 days. Norah is 3 and Bradley is 14 months. I was thrilled to be able to invest in our daughter’s marriage in this way. Allowing her to go away without a worry or concern as to the well-being of her children is no sacrifice at all. My Mom and Mom-in-Law did this so many times for me. In fact, our marriage stayed strong in large part because of their investment of time in caring for our three children when they were small.
However, I didn’t know when I said, “Yes” that I would have low grade vertigo. I didn’t know my husband would have a very long day at work including dinner out. Nor did I know my daughter who is still at home would be working so much. The result – Nana On Duty – nonstop with very little rest. My day began at 5:45a. after getting up with the other one at 2:45a. I must admit I’ve struggled to keep my attitude right. I’ve given in to grumbling and complaining to my husband over the phone. All he could do was apologize, nothing more. And I knew that. It’s true – misery loves company, and I was trying to host a big event right in my own living room.
But God helped me as He always does when I take the time to listen. I had all but forgotten the message I heard at our church on Sunday. The title – Servanthood. Christ is our example who came not to be served BUT TO SERVE. As soon as I heard my Father say those words I knew what I had to do.
Stop.
Repent.
Rejoice.
The last hour has been better than the entire day. And as I tucked Norah to bed, she put her arm around my neck and said, “Nana, I love you!” I’m grateful beyond words to hear those four little words, especially since I know more than anyone else who I would be apart from God’s constant work in my heart.
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This Nana loves being on Duty, and I will continue to tell myself this fact when I’m struggling to believe it.
How do you serve your spouse and/or your children day in and day out? How does this effect your affections towards them? More importantly how does God help you?
The Romantic Vineyard 
I so relate to this. We have 6 grandchildren (one we will meet on the 17th… a boy or girl? only God knows) often times we babysit them and they stay overnight and really as older grandparents in our 50’s it is alot harder then when we were young and had our own little ones. God was wise when he made mom’s and dad’s to be young and full of energy. We have more patience but we tire easily.
Enjoy those little ones. Someday they will come back to you and say ‘I remember when’…. those are the moments we treasure.
Take care
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So true, Sharon. I keep thinking I used to do this no problem with three! Now I can hardly keep up with two!!! But we are having fun – I’m just tired. 🙂
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From the day I met Debi I knew she was a perfect match for my son Tom. While Jason, Tracy and Heather were growing up I was so happy that I was able to be of any help that I could be to Debi and Tom. This article has shown me that my beautiful Daughter, Debi loves me as I have always loved her. God bless you Debi.
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Aw, thanks Mom! You are a blessing to me and I love you so very much! Thanks for the help yesterday!
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Thank you for this reminder! I am a student ministers wife. We have one precious little girl that is almost two and another little girl on the way. I am due in about 9 weeks. I definitely have days like this. Days when my husband is busy all day and then has evening meetings, especially when there are consecutive days like this. I want to be thankful and even joyful for where God has placed me for this time, and not make my husband feel bad when he is away from us doing what God has called him to. It has been challenging lately because I am very easily tired these days. I don’t want to grumble and complain! May the Lord help me with that.
Your daughter is very blessed to have your help like this!
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Debi –
As a friend of mine said on Facebook – I was about to have a pity party, but then I realised Jesus was not going to RSVP and show up!
Bless you for doing this for your kids and kids-in-law – it is a huge blessing.
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So true. Thanks, Paul.
Tom
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Paul, I love the fact that Jesus would “show up” unannounced to my pity party – not to reprimand me, but to correct my sinful attitude because He loves me! I love serving such a Savior. He isn’t after my happiness – He’s after my holiness. As a friend said to me once, “God will comfort you, but He won’t make you comfortable.”
Tom and I have loved gleaning from you and Lori as we tend our Vineyard. Thank YOU for all you have done on the internet to encourage strong marriages for God’s glory. We appreciate you!
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