Friday, December 12, 2014

Hunched

I'm usually not a poetic person, but this week The Lord has exposed me over and over to beautiful poems. Tonight certain words and images were pressing on my mind. I've done my best to express them without over thinking it.
Hunched

Motherhood has caused me to be hunched over.

Hunched to give kisses and pick up little arms as they reach for the sky.
Hands saying, "up! up!"

Hunched over the sink, washing dishes, bottles, diapers. Hands cracking from the constant hot water. 

Hunched towards the door.
Listening for the cries of an infant as he awakens alone. Hands searching for comfort.

Hunched over my child, as he nurses. Big, beautiful eyes that see only me. Hands patting, grabbing, holding.

Motherhood has caused me to be bent. 

Bent towards the floor, picking up toys, blankets, and books. Hands wiping a nose, protecting from danger, and folding clothes.

Bent as I curl around my sleeping baby, listening to him breathe. Hands resting, sure he feels my warmth.

Bent on my knees, praying daily for wisdom, energy, and that my son would grow to love the Lord. Hands worshipping the King

Motherhood has caused me to reach. 

Reach the limits of my patience, sanity, exhaustion, self. Hands covering my face, wiping my tears.

Reach out for friends, family, even neighbors. Hands holding babies, hugging parents, making food.

Reach for my Father, crying, seeking, longing. Hands trembling in the face of the unknown.

Hunched, bent, and reaching. I am stronger, lifted up, and daily made new in my Father's hands. 

No one can pluck me out of my Father's hands. John 10:29


Saturday, December 6, 2014

December

Noah has started eating Cheerios. Nom nom nom.

Valerie and I visited my high school friend, Stephen, who is an art teacher at Samford in Bham.

And then had dinner with my friend, Angela, who I met Jan. 2006 in FL and haven't seen since then!

Friday, Noah and I ran errands including me seeing my friend's new baby and taking an 80th bday gift and food to Mr. Hubbard.

Today Val and I ran a 5k (which we walked last year and I ran the year before).
Before and after sister selfies

This time I actually wore the bells!
And lastly we went to our friend, Susana's, first bday party. Noah enjoyed all of her toys. :-)