A Little Bit More

A few things have happened this week that have really touched me. Like that old song, "Things That Make You Go Hmmm," I've had several things that have made me go, "Hmmm." I listened in Sunday school class this week to a lady complain that she had so much on her plate, she wondered how she was going to handle it all. I had a lady come by the shop with her college-bound daughter, a mom who despite all odds, and four strokes! has managed to raise a beautiful smart young woman that is now on her way to a great education. I was inspired by my son Parker. I was pleasantly surprised by all my kids at the responsiblity they showed this week. I was encouraged when my daughter Savannah tried to "educate" a family member who offered her a seemingly-innocent "Coke."

What do these have in common? Well, me, and my store. You see, I don't think I could spend as much time with my kids if I worked for someone else. I don't know if I'd have the energy to fight the battles I do, or the time for that matter. I don't know how bank-moms or nurse-moms or waitress-moms do it. The one thing I learned from being a stay-at-home mom is that you are never staying at home! I can't tell you the number of times I have worried about "making it." I can't tell you the worries and thoughts that have creeped into my head. But sometimes, you get so many signs, that you just can't ignore their message. And that message for me is that maybe, just maybe, running my store is not all about the money. Maybe, just maybe, it means a little bit more. (Oooh, did I just sound like the narrator in The Grinch?)

Let's start with the kids. I have been leaving them with a sitter a few days a week, always with a list of chores. This week, I tried something new. I thought I would just trust them. "Look around, see what needs to be done, and do it." Those were the only instructions, and Boy! Did they rise to the challenge! I am so impressed. Oh, and the picky-eating thing is all but gone. Kiefer's behavior is getting better (although he has his moments, he IS making progress). I think his taekwondo classes are helping him too...lots of driving for me, but I think it's important for him, the youngest, to have something all his own. Savannah recently turned dowen a soda, and told the offerer why sodas are bad for kids' health. Parker came up with the idea to raise all his money for an upcoming school trip. Man, whose kids are these? We're getting to a good place here.

If I didn't own the store, couldn't arrange my hours, couldn't take my kids to work some...would we be here? Could I ever get Kiefer to his class? Could I have the time to study food sensitivities, go to farmers' markets, search health-food stores for the best fish oil? So, the store is more than just a job. No, I'm not getting rich over here, but I'm able to do this cool thing I love, AND concentrate on my REAL job as a mom. That, my friends, is priceless. Next time I whine about bottom-lines, I'm gonna remember that.

Now, on to the mom and daughter who came by the store. Here was a mom, struggling obviously, who in spite of four strokes, raised this daughter to love the Lord. You could just see it in their faces. They almost beamed. The daughter said she had always wanted to come by, was going off to college soon, and finally got her mom to stop in. The mom asked all about me, was surprised to know I grew up in that neighborhood, then said to me, "This is a blessing. Look at you, from this neighborhood, and done hit the big time. This is a blessing. Count it." I remember each word, because as soon as they left, I wrote them down. Big time? I don't think so! But to her, I did. And that blessing part? Her saying that was a blessing. Having my store enables me to meet people like that. I never know who will pop by. I keep thinking about that childrens' song, and letting my little light shine. Having my store gives me a place to shine. Thank you, God, for this blessing!

And finally, the lady with the full plate. We've all been there. All I kept thinking was "be glad you've got a plate." I've felt this exact same way, felt overwhelmed, felt like just throwing my hands in the air. And I've done my share of complaining. I don't know exactly how to help her, don't know if I even could, but all the way home I felt thankful.

Thankful for my full plate, thankful for my store, and thankful for chocolate.