A life of Service
By the world's definition a life of service may not seem so glamorous. Too often I think we are told that we "deserve" to be served rather than to serve others. I disagree. Strongly. How honored I am to be placed in the role of servicing those who I love. We as moms are so very blessed. Thats not to say that it is always an easy thing to do, but today I tried to concentrate on the rewards of my service to my family.
As I rocked my sweet Ashley I was richly rewarded. How amazing to feel her tiny heartbeat against my chest. She had relaxed and curled into me and I stopped and just enjoyed each beat of her heart. The smell of her freshly shampooed hair was delicious and the way her baby soft skin felt overwhelmed me. To be honest, yesterday was hard. I tried so hard to soothe the aches of this tiny baby for so many hours that when I woke this morning the muscles in my legs and hips burned. They still hurt as I sit here tonight. Talk about service. I joked with my friends last night that I must have had a spring installed when I wasn't looking, but the reward is so very sweet and satisfying. I am blessed to have this opportunity.
When I consider all the times I get to serve my beautiful Allison Brooke the service pales in comparison to the reward. Our friendship blesses my heart. To feel her little hand reach out to hold on to mine as we walk. I love that she wants to just "touch" me. She lays awake each night waiting for our time together. Sitting on her bed, listening to her prayers, kissing her forehead as she drifts off to sleep. Priceless are the rewards I am given in return for my service as her mommy. I will gladly make hundreds of grilled cheese sandwiches, brush thousands of strands of her hair, and wipe the many tears that fall onto her cheeks(because she is nine and nine year old girls are VERY emotional!) during these years.
My son. Serving this child is a joy. From the moment he was born and I became a mom I have been so blessed. Washing the many uniforms, packing his equipment, rubbing those smelly feet. All in return for the most beautiful words I have ever heard, "I love you more than chocolate chip cookies mom!" What a reward! Feeling his arms wrapped around me as he passes by and stops to give me hug. Crowding behind me on the couch to watch a baseball game together. Answering the phone while I am 700 miles away to hear, "How are you mom, this is Blake. I'm just wondering how you and Ashley Kate are today?"
A life of service? Is it daunting? Is it demeaning? Absolutely Not! It is a blessed role I have been chosen to play in this life. A life of service is an honor not a burden. These are just a few of the rewards I receive for my service as their mom. I couldn't imagine a better life. Ask me this question: Would you rather be served or would you rather serve others? I would gladly say, "Sign me up for a life of service. Nothing could be more satisfying."
posted by Ashley @ 9:30 PM
13 Comments:
Someone once said our attitude determined our altitude. It is so true. May you continue to fly, my precious sister.
I'm with prayer mom...you have a wonderful attitude....praying for a restful night.....May God Continue to Bless You...
Once again, you've written a beautiful post with words that inspire, encourage, and point to Jesus. Hang in there, Trish. I think about you so often and pray for your endurance, and Ashley is always near my heart. I can't wait for the day you post that you two have gone home! :)
"It is better to give than receive" so it goes with service to others. Be it our family, friends or strangers there is just something about it that makes us feel good all inside.
I keep my great-grandson while my granddaughter-in-law has gone back to school full time to get her RN degree. My grandson is back in the military after having served for 4 years and being out 4. He just felt he "hadn't finished his job" so he went back in and is now an Officer. He loves serving his country.
Keeping my 6 month old great-grandson 5 days a week really ties me down but that happy little face with such a beautiful smile and eyes that just melt your heart makes me so glad I have him in my life.
Just like you, Trish, I feel very honored and blessed. I just smiled when I read how amazing it is to "feel her tiny heartbeat againt my chest." It is one of the best feelings in the whole world.
Keep enjoying the rewards!!
Amen! I wholeheartedly agree!
Still praying for your Ashley!
What a wonderful way to bless your children, by writing those words.
You are so right. Keep on servicing and we are holding you up in prayer. Praying in Central IL
Thanks for the perspective. As moms, we often go through our days taking each moment for granted. These days of service to our children will go by so quickly. I,too, am determined to make the most of them and pour on the love to my own little guys!
I'm so thankful that in only a few days, you will be able to hold Allie and Blake in your arms! And Dave, too..
I LOVE this post! You took the words right out of my mouth. I am still praying for sweet Ashley Kate and you and your sweet family.
Wow. I am humbled.
love, Gretchen
I too am humbled. How blessed your children are to have you as their mother! WOW! God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave those children to you.
You are a fantastic mom in Christ!
Amy
You share such a sweet heart. I am blessed just reading the words of your heart.
Yes, it is a privilege to serve the families we have blessed with by the Lord. As I look at my daughter's sweet face as she is sleeping, I am so thankful that my husband and I answered the call to adopt. That we travelled the hard, long road...that we stepped out in faith for the monetary challenges. We have been blessed beyond measure. Now, I gladly serve in the role I was born for.
Continued prayers for you and your family. Also, praying for the trip to be made by Dave, Blake, and Allie.
Kristi in Texas
Trish, I need to come back and re-read this post about...oh, I'd say just about every single day! This mama's heart too often "serves" her family with a bad attitude, begrudgingly, rather than with a true heart of service, a heart devoted to serving like Christ served. Thank you for so eloquently reminding me how blessed I am to have the opportunity to live a life of service.
Also, this morning at church, someone sang a song that made me think of you because it very well could have been written or sung by you. I don't listen to much popular Christian music, so I don't know if it's a well-known song, but it was all about asking God for something you want, but looking for the ways you can be blessed in His "no's." Trish, you are so gifted at doing that very thing -- boldly asking for what you want, but pointing out all the ways you are blessed even when He says no. I am learning from you!
Beautiful. This post brought tears to my eyes. You remind us of the blessings that we so often take for granted. Thank you.
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