I've been having a rough few weeks with my kids, with life & with homeschooling. Today I took 4 of the 5 out to Aldi with me. I was pausing to add items up on my calculator when I saw an older lady waiting to get to what we were standing in front of. I asked my oldest daughter & son to move aside so the lady could get what she needed. I apologized with a sheepish smile to the lady for being in the way. She leaned in to get her item and then suddenly came up and half hugged my shoulder. Her touch was gentle & kind. She said softly, "Homeschoolers, right?" Immediately my defenses went up but I relaxed as her next words reached my ears. "You are so blessed!" I have to admit I was startled. "Me, blessed?" I haven't been feeling that much lately. More like tired, defeated, unappreciated, a failure. Yes, those are words I'm familiar with especially these past few weeks. She talked to me for at least 10-15 minutes. She encouraged me telling me what a blessing I was to my children to choose to have them at home with me. How I was showing an example of love to them for how I ministered to them daily. I felt my spirits lifting. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she shared these words & thoughts. She told me how she raised 8 children in Japan as a missionary. And how blessed she was to have done so. We talked about her children a bit & then a little about homeschooling. She was an elegant woman and her joy gave her a rare beauty. The love that she had for her children, her life and her Lord shone from her eyes. The loving looks she gave my children. She saw them as treasures. Their chatter delighted her, it didn't annoy her. Seeing them in and around my cart didn't make her swing wide to avoid us but rather drew her in. Like a cold drink of water on a hot day her words & actions refreshed me. It was only for a few minutes but it was exactly what I needed. I hope I meet this charming woman again one day. I want to tell her how much her words encouraged me. They wrapped around my weary mind & heart like a comforting hug. I know she was sent by the Lord. One of those rare angels that live among us. I'm thankful for her. Her precious gift. A gift of loving words, a smile & a moment taken to minister to an overwhelmed mama. Thank you, Lord for sending her my way today.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Angels Among Us
I've been having a rough few weeks with my kids, with life & with homeschooling. Today I took 4 of the 5 out to Aldi with me. I was pausing to add items up on my calculator when I saw an older lady waiting to get to what we were standing in front of. I asked my oldest daughter & son to move aside so the lady could get what she needed. I apologized with a sheepish smile to the lady for being in the way. She leaned in to get her item and then suddenly came up and half hugged my shoulder. Her touch was gentle & kind. She said softly, "Homeschoolers, right?" Immediately my defenses went up but I relaxed as her next words reached my ears. "You are so blessed!" I have to admit I was startled. "Me, blessed?" I haven't been feeling that much lately. More like tired, defeated, unappreciated, a failure. Yes, those are words I'm familiar with especially these past few weeks. She talked to me for at least 10-15 minutes. She encouraged me telling me what a blessing I was to my children to choose to have them at home with me. How I was showing an example of love to them for how I ministered to them daily. I felt my spirits lifting. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she shared these words & thoughts. She told me how she raised 8 children in Japan as a missionary. And how blessed she was to have done so. We talked about her children a bit & then a little about homeschooling. She was an elegant woman and her joy gave her a rare beauty. The love that she had for her children, her life and her Lord shone from her eyes. The loving looks she gave my children. She saw them as treasures. Their chatter delighted her, it didn't annoy her. Seeing them in and around my cart didn't make her swing wide to avoid us but rather drew her in. Like a cold drink of water on a hot day her words & actions refreshed me. It was only for a few minutes but it was exactly what I needed. I hope I meet this charming woman again one day. I want to tell her how much her words encouraged me. They wrapped around my weary mind & heart like a comforting hug. I know she was sent by the Lord. One of those rare angels that live among us. I'm thankful for her. Her precious gift. A gift of loving words, a smile & a moment taken to minister to an overwhelmed mama. Thank you, Lord for sending her my way today.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Oh, Kristine! She was a divine meeting for you! She was so sent from the Lord to love on you when you needed it. This touched me deeply as I am having the hardest times homeschooling, running a home, and seeing my other work go undone. I love you for this post. We sometimes forget the bigger picture, don't we?
Yes, we do. It's hard to see the big picture when we're bogged down with exhaustion & a pile of things to do. Throw in some struggles with our children, health & finances and it gets tougher. But you are right. We need to keep working toward the goal. And live in the moment. I was completely amazed at how this woman knew exactly what I needed to hear. I didn't tell her I was struggling or tired. Her heart spoke to mine. I will never forget her smile or her loving words. It was an amazing experience.
Your post just gave me the chills. I love when God puts just the right people in just the right place at just the right time.
Post a Comment