For Better Or For Worst

What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me the most?

As with every year, Russell and I enjoy watching American Idol. Even though I vow at the end of every season not to get sucked into the show, it never seems to fail we get hooked. As we were watching one of the auditions for this upcoming season, I couldn’t help but cry at the story of Chris Medina. He had more than just an amazing voice.

As shown in the above video, just over a year ago Chris was due to marry the love of his life when she had a tragic accident and suffered a brain injury. He had faith that she would wake up from the comma and she did, but not without many physical and mental challenges as a result of the accident. Understandably many would have thought nothing of him if he chose to walk away and live his own life. But, instead he says, "I was just about to make vows just two months from the accident: Through thick and thin, ‘Til death do us part, In sickness and in health, For better or for worst. What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me most?" Now that is incredible commitment, Integrity, and loyalty. Kind of makes me wonder how many men out there would do the same thing.

He held through during the darkest hour. For any of us, it’s easy to be loyal when the going is good and you are reaping the benefits. But the fact is, true loyalty and love is sticking around even after you stop gaining the rewards. Ouch!!! So totally against what the self seeking world would say. I look at this story and thank the Lord for his promise to never leave me even in my darkest hour. Even when I must hurt and frustrate him he is always loyal. What an amazing "real world" story of Love and faithfulness.

Love you Forever

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

I just finished reading Kinley the famous book, I love you forever. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s the tale of the mother who rocked her baby and sang about how much she loved him. The story continues as the baby grows and she rocks her two-year-old and her nine-year-old and her teenager. Finally, she drives to her grown son’s house and when he is asleep, she creeps into his room and rocks him while he sleeps, too.

This book has found a way to always bring a tear to my eye.  It speaks straight to my heart about the beauty of parenthood and the continuous circle of life and love. As we go through the tough stages in raising our children, it makes me remember that this stage will not last forever.  

Even though my girls can drive me crazy at times, my love for them is unconditional.  I’m so happy I still have the opportunity to hold them in my lap and soothe them when their hurt.  I’m thankful that at this moment in their life, I am their whole world.  I am in charge of making their days happy and healthy and that right now I am enough.

I know there will come a day when my little girls will grow up and I will no longer be their whole world.  So for today, I’m going to cherish this precious time I have with them and expand my capacity for silliness and learn new ways to play with them.  I’m going to keep my promises and let them know that they are my greatest treasures.  I’m going to be generous with my hugs and kisses and treasure this gift of motherhood to its fullest capacity. 

Here is a beautiful prayer that I came across that reminds me that God's Love is present in helping me on this motherhood journey.

"Lord, you know my inadequacies.  You know my weaknesses, not only in parenting, but in every area of my life.  I'm doing the best I can to raise my kids properly, but is may not be good enough.  as you provided the fish and the loaves to feed the five thousand hungry people, now take my meager effort and use it to bless my family.  Make up for the things I do wrong.  Satisfy the needs that I have not met.  Compensate for my blunders and mistakes.  Wrap your great arms around my children, and draw them close to you.  And be there when they stand at the great crossroads between right and wrong.  All I can give them is my best, and I will continue to do that.  I submit them to you now and rededicate myself to the task you have placed before me.  The outcome rests securely in your hands."

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13