(Genesis 21:6)
Here, at the beginning of Sarah's motherhood, she has laughter and joy. One wonders if she kept that joy throughout her years of raising Isaac. Being a mother is a great blessing and opportunity, are we keeping the joy?
Recently, as I gazed into the staring eyes of one of my newborn daughters – you know the stare when it seems they are memorizing every line and curve of your face – I realize that there's a smile on my face and my heart swells with joy. In contrast, as I look around to the faces of my older 3 children, I realize that somewhere I lost that joy and my smile has faded. I've become more of the 'stick-in-the mud', the mother who is always saying, “You'll poke someone's eye out with that!” When was the last time I truly played and laughed with my older ones. When did my face light up with delight upon seeing them as it does with these newborns?
Don't get me wrong, I thank God for my 5 blessings, every day. But somewhere between the spankings and the messes and the day to day care and training, I've lost the laughter. I challenge you this week to find the laughter in your home. Rediscover the delight that children bring to your life.
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”
(Psalms 127:3-5)