Oh, sigh. It never fails. No matter what time of day I choose to take my shower I am always met with the same thing. I spend 20 minutes scrubbing away the grime from the day before; the burning grease from the ground beef splattering in my face, the sticky film under my nails from washing dinner dishes and scrubbing the crust of oatmeal from the breakfast dishes; the nasty feeling on my arm after I have had my hand in a toilet. I can wash my hands, but I’m just not going to feel clean until I get a shower. Finally, I come out of the shower clean, refreshed, and ready to tackle less disgusting jobs like laundry or sweeping. Oh, but my two year old has other plans. He runs toward me proclaiming “poopy change!” It never fails! I am always greeted by a disgusting blow out after my shower. As a mommy the film of yuck is always present. I suppose that it is there to remind me that life, for now, is about them.
Yesterday was my Birthday. I had a good dose of “me” time. My children woke me up at 8:00am. They were dressed alike. They were standing by my bed holding a cookie sheet covered by cloth napkin. One of my blue Fiesta Ware dishes sat on top of the napkin. Next to the plate was a matching blue cloth napkin with a fork and spoon inside. On top of the plate sat a cinnamon roll we made together the night before. There was a cup of freshly brewed coffee and an orange peeled and fanned out on the plate. Now just so you know, my children are 11, 9, 7 and 2. They had no help with this. My husband left for work a couple hours before they presented me with this lovely breakfast.
It is true that I get spoiled from time to time. I’m still high from all of the thoughtful gestures and all of the hugs and kisses from my whole family. But, sadly, the feeling will pass, and I will soon feel unappreciated and lonely. How could I feel lonely? As a home schooling mother I’m at home with my children 24/7. It is hard to find uninterrupted alone time. When I use the restroom little faces peek around the door to ask me where their other sock went or if they can eat the extra chicken nugget. When I’m dressing my amused two year old gives me a good slap on my back side and yells, booty/bum, booty/bum; where that comes from, who knows?
I’m a pastor’s wife so I have many friends. Some from past churches, some from the church my husband is trying to get going. Many people have called me their best friend, including my current neighbor. My old neighbor called me the other day to tell me how much she misses us and how the new neighbor would never take our place. I have several Facebook friends that “like” a lot of what I do. My husband is caring, loving and attentive to my needs. Even forsaking his own. How could I be lonely?
I know the answer. I’m just too lazy and unconcerned to do anything about it. I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll read it later. I just don’t have the brains for it right now. What is “It?” It is The Bible. The beautiful, wise word of my loving Lord and Savior. I seem to never have time for him. My mind wanders when I read the words of wisdom written just for me. I keep myself busied by the blessings he has given me, but I don’t take time for him. As I wallow in my lonely thoughts, angered by silly situations or events that have been forgotten by everyone else, I neglect the best friend I will ever have. A friendship desired by all of mankind. This friend, if we choose, will stick closer than a brother. He will fill the void in our hearts that will never be filled by computer relationships, neighbors, mothers, or even husbands. We should never feel all alone. He calls us friend!
I thank Jesus for being everything I need and being there for me at my loneliest. Still, he knows as humans it is hard to be comforted by the unseen. So, he gives us his community of believers. Likeminded, unified brothers and sisters that will be his hands and feet here on Earth. We are commanded to assemble together to feel uplifted and whole. I am so very thankful to have such a community.
Verse on my heart:
Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25
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