Togetherness

Psalm 127:3-5  Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

It has been said that the only constant in life is change. Nothing proves that truer than witnessing our children grow. As I observe my younger children mature and change,the most recent and noticeable transformation has been their ability to cooperate with each other. Once only able to parallel play, all three have recently participated together in creative play, role playing  and, dare I say, 3 player video games!

Between sickness and snow days, we have all been together more than usual in recent weeks. The cold weather has delayed or cancelled school on numerous occasions, and the weatherman says to expect more of the same next week. As a stay at home mom, snow days are sometimes a challenge. I don't think I am alone in this. The kids are used to the structure of the public school day. I am accustomed to doing my own thing, whenever and wherever. (Yes, that is a perk of this job!) I normally do not require the black and white striped shirt and whistle, but days off school and weekends often deem it necessary; until lately, that is.

These past several days of togetherness have been nothing short of pleasant. The children have abandoned the video games for legos, rubber band bracelets and playing in the snow. We even played a board game and did some crafting! My heart is singing a new song of peace. The chaos that once consumed any room where the 3 of them were present has been replaced with creativity and cooperation. I credit some of these new behaviors to maturity, but mostly to my prayers. I have been praying for God to change my heart; to give me a grateful heart. I have been praying more for my kids as well. God has blessed me with this delightful family, and my prayer has been to embrace, and not to complain; to love and cherish all the little moments. This season is so short. I pray for more days like these in weeks to come. I am grateful to God for answered prayer. And I pray that when we do have those chaotic days occasionally, that I remember to be grateful and to praise Him through it!