Making it to the Finish Line

    This year, my biggest challenge has been finding the energy to make it each day to the finish line. I usually hit a wall around 8pm, and my symbolic wall is definitely made of bricks. If I were home alone, I would jump in my pajamas, and sit in my bed with a good book. My nights would end in quiet reflection or someone's well described story. I would check out, rest my body, and drift into a blissful sleep. However, I have been blessed with this house full of energetic children. They wait until 8pm to worry about the toy that they need help finding, or to finish the homework that is due in the morning. 8pm is the hour for negotiations over brushing teeth, pajamas, tissues and water bottles. I have to pray for the strength to be kind and caring, because I can only really hear the siren of my bed calling. 

    Last night, I tucked Sloan into bed and said my tired prayer over her little frame. Going through the motions, I started to sing the first line of our bedtime song, but was interrupted by her sweet high pitched voice. "Dear Jesus, help mom get some rest. And help Finley and Ryder finish their homework, and help Daley learn to read." I smiled up at her, and said, "how sweet! You talked to Jesus about your family." 

    She said, "Mom, you always talk to Jesus about us. So, it was time to talk to Jesus about you." 

    And that phrase has stuck with me for awhile. It's easy to feel that our energy is being waisted on kids who are unaware of the sacrifice. We go through the motions, half bitter that they seem so unappreciative, but, I do believe they notice. I want to be the mom that prayed with them every night, that took the time to hear their stories about the day or worries about tomorrow. I want to end the day well, because when they get older, I want them to feel the safety and love that happened in our daily routine. I want them to know that I am always talking to Jesus about them, even if my prayers are tired and flat. I'm thankful that Sloan gave me this precious moment, so that I can remember the significance of making it to the finish line.