A few weeks ago my husband and I went on a meeting/vacation trip together. We considered taking our boys, but decided they are still a little young and we really needed the time {alone} together.
At the meeting was a young family that chose to bring along their two small girls that were around the same age as our boys. We visited with them and attended some of the same activities over the week. They were an adorable family, happy, relaxing and enjoying their first family vacation together.
Watching them made me miss my boys and part of me wondered if we should have brought them. But I also knew it had to be difficult and exhausting having them there. I know the mom and dad had to be tired, but as I watched the mom, I gained insight into what a “great mom” looks like to an outsider. I took away some pointers that I promised I would infuse into my mothering with the boys.
1. This mom always wore a huge smile on her face. Her body language was relaxed towards her children. Yes, I know they were on vacation and it is much easier to smile on the beach. But a two year old is two no matter where you are! Because of her calm nature, I have a feeling this mom is also like this with her children at home. I believe her happiness was from the heart, and shone onto her children.
Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones.
2. Instead of standing, towering over her children to speak to them, she knelt to their level. When my husband and I have a conversation, we most likely sit together so he is not looking down upon me. I realized that most of the time I do not do this with my children. After watching this mom, I came to appreciate the importance of eye-to-eye contact. Kneeling to their level, maintaining eye contact and listening to what they want to share. Yes, they are young and as parents they should respect our word, but I do not want to intimidate them. Teaching them proper, open, respectful communication starts at home.
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
3. Hug, touch, and kiss my loved ones more often. This mom was constantly picking up her little ones, putting her hand on their shoulders and brushing their hair out of their eyes. I have never been a hugger, cuddly-pooh person. It is so difficult for me because all three of the other members of my home are. The primary “Love-Language” of my husband is Physical Touch and my boys need all the little boy hugs and kisses a mom can give. For me, this is a daily struggle. Seeing the positive response and strong bond it brought between this mom and her children made me want to overcome my struggle and become a hugger!
Colossians 3:14 and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
4. You never know who is watching! Whether it is a child, friend, relative or stranger. You may be the one to influence another to make a change or to be a better mom, wife or friend. Be a woman of integrity. Live what you say. YOU might be a role model without even knowing.
Proverbs 10:9 the man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
My Bible verse for this year is Ephesians 4:2 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
While on vacation, I saw before me an example of the mom I strive to be, the one described in the verse I chose to strengthen and guide me this year. We never know when, where, or who He will send to teach us!
Kari Ryan
The boys all spent the day
at the farm,
leaving me free for the day.
They surprised me
with cake, ice cream and gifts
when they returned home!
Trent had asked me what
I realllllyyyyyy liked.
I told him diamonds!
He said he would
"Fill an entire room with diamonds"!
for me.
Ahhhh....
Then I told him I
really love
peanut butter and chocolate!
So they spoiled me
with lots of my fav candy
and a beautiful diamond bracelet!
And don't forget my princess!
They said she looked
like me!
They REALLY made my day with that!
That evening
I played Bunco
and had wonderful
birthday luck!
I won with the most Bunco's,
winning movie tickets
and a game.
A day I dreaded
turned out to be
pretty great!
love, the rockinryans
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