Collaborations

Whether in the kitchen, in the yard, or around the house, our family works well together. This didn't happen overnight, of course; it comes from years of practice, and doing. Training children to perform tasks takes time. More time, in fact, than doing the tasks yourself. But, oh! how the training pays off in the future. We're living that future now.

Although delightful, the pre-school days and early elementary years can be taxing to a tired, young mom still finding her own way in the world. It's tempting to complete the housework alone just to get it over with. It definitely takes more work to have a youngster by your side, having to explain and demonstrate each step of the task at hand. Admittedly, there were days when I said, "Never mind, I'll just do it myself." But then, there were the days that I persevered, and waited patiently while clumsy hands wiped the counters, cleaned the bathrooms, and washed the dishes alongside me.

Talking of gardening, and remodeling, and having the children participate in each and every project builds relationships and life skills at the same time. And when the projects are finished? What a joy it is to be able to say the we all helped!

I felt those little joys every day this past week. From sitting in front a warm fire in a fireplace that each of us helped to build, to eating pears that took weeks to get through, to gathering eggs from a coop that we constructed, and cooking with them, knowing that we've cared for the chicks since they were one day old, it's all so satisfying. Pickled cauliflower medley, and salsa fresh from the garden, and canned green beans- they all bring joy!

It's amazing to think that we are not only working with one another, but with God. We plant the seeds, but it is He who sends the rain and makes the plants grow. He gave us brains to think and muscles to work, and every good thing is from Him alone. I'm so thankful for His mercy and His grace.

I'm counting His good gifts this week, and they are many! Numbers 266 - 300

- my family gathered around my table
- French toast made with our own eggs and homemade bread
- real maple syrup
- and butter!
- candlelit breakfasts, lunches, and dinners

- mugs of hot tea
- tablecloths
- easy suppers from home canned spaghetti sauce
- homemade pies,
- with real whipped cream
- pretty china, used every day

- potatoes, fresh from the garden
- a freezer full of food- three in fact!
- pantries to match
- fires in the fireplace
- giggles

- deviled eggs
- Ritz crackers dipped in the leftover filling- YUM!
- an ironing pile, empty
- shoes that support my aching feet,
- two pairs!
- sweet music, both heard and sung

- yarn, flying through fingers
- sewing machines humming
- twin babies that make her feel loved

- evenings on the couch, under cozy blankets
- bowls of snacks
- a daughter's forgiveness after I've spoken too harsh words
- a healing husband
- arms around me, particularly at night

- a husband who delights in making breakfast for the family
- boys who dig potatoes
- friends who bless us with unexpected gifts
- an advent season begun
- a tree, dug by the girls


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