“ So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive.—Ecclesiastes 3:12 (GNT)
When my children were young, I didn’t always enjoy the journey of motherhood. I know how blessed I was to be a stay-at-home mom with my children, especially the five years that I was a single mom with toddlers. It wasn’t easy and I was thankful I had my parents helping me (We lived behind them).
Many days, I was going through the motions and could barely muster enough energy to pray before I went to bed and usually fell asleep while doing it. Despite those exhausting days, I look back and have fond memories of motherhood during that time in my life.
There were times when I questioned choosing to be a full-time mom over a career. After college graduation, I was offered a great job at the same time I was accepted into graduate school at TCU with a full stipend that paid for my tuition. I was torn. I was thinking I wanted to work a few years before I went on for a master’s degree.
In his wisdom, my father said, Lisa, you can always find a job. Having your tuition paid for at TCU is a gift. No one can take your education away from you. So, rather than take the job, I moved in with my parents to continue my education.
Two months after graduation I got married and moved to San Antonio, Texas where my first husband, John, was completing his residency training. We decided early on that I would stay home once our son, Brandon was born. It was a struggle. I had all this education that I wasn’t putting to use.
While I didn’t know it at the time, my calling was right in front of me….it was my children. They were my mission field. As they grew older and didn’t need me as much, God put learning to knit in my pathway. He knew I was going to need it later in life to not only use it as a ministry tool, but also to help keep me sane during uncertain times.
Being an empty nester, I have also questioned if I should try and find a full-time job. God needs strong Christians in the workplace. However, I feel if this is where God wants me, He will provide that opportunity. So far He hasn’t.
Because of my mother, I am especially thankful I am not working right now. I got a small taste of what it would be like if I did. I help seasonally 3-4 times a year in a showroom at the Dallas Apparel Mart. The last time I did, each day on my way home, I found myself having to stop by my mom’s. By the time I finished at my mother’s it was 8:00 pm before I got home. I was exhausted.
Again, what God is calling me to do is still right in front of me; my knitting ministry, helping to care for my mom and getting to enjoy being a grandmother. No, it hasn’t been easy to enjoy the journey with my mother. However, with her new medication change, there have been a few sweet moments with her.
Unfortunately, the first time last week when I greeted my mom, she had a blank look on her face. I didn’t realize it at the time, but she didn’t recognize me. When I told her I had left her clean clothes on her bed, she said, no, my daughter took them home to wash them. I replied, I am your daughter and yes, I washed them for you. I know in that moment she did not know I was her daughter.
Because it gives me a break from some of the monotony with my mother, I cannot even put into words how much I love seeing my sweet grandsons’ smiles. It warms my heart to see my son and his wife be such good parents. I can’t wait for my daughter and her husband’s son to be born in May so that I get to witness their parenthood as well.
We may not always be where we thought we would be in life, but I have learned, God has us where He wants and needs us. It is up to us to make the best of it and enjoy our journey where we are. The joy of Jesus in our hearts is how we can coexist in difficult circumstances. Ecclesiastes 3:12 is my verse I am going to focus on this month; “ So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive.
At this stage of life, doing my best to love God and love others for however much time I have left here on earth is what I plan on doing. This is how I embrace the chapter of my life.
Father God,
Forgive me when I can’t see beauty in where I am in life. Open my eyes to the daily blessings that You give me. May I enjoy each stage of my life and see the wonders where you lead me each day. Thank You for all the family and friends You have chosen for me to do life with. I lift those up to You who feel alone in their struggles. Let them feel Your Loving arms around them. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
March Verse
“ So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive.—Ecclesiastes 3:12 (GNT)
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