Pep Talk

I happened upon this video (a pep talk) today, and it inspired me.  Take a look.

It's a pep talk, and who doesn't need a pep talk from time to time?  For some it may be for more motivation with work - to do a better job, or just to get up and go come Monday morning.  For some it may be with their relationship - to stick it out when going gets tough, or to know that when it's unhealthily tough it might be ok to get going.  For some it's with sports or using their talents, and others might need a pep talk for a time of difficulty or grief in their life.  But whatever the reason, we all need one from time to time.   

Personally, I need one about every Saturday morning.  Every Saturday morning when I'm utterly exhausted from the week and all the external chaos and sleep deprivation that's built up during it, and wishing to the Lord Almighty I could just sleep in for ONE.SINGLE.DAY to help lessen the deprivation and chaos it causes internally.  But to no avail.  Instead, I often end up rising and shining even earlier than weekdays and fighting with myself to be patient as either crying or bouncing (or both) little ones are begging for my attention and stealing the dream of a return to the days when Saturday was my favorite day.  I need someone to remind me that there are reasons I became a mother. That there are reasons I love being a mother.  That there are reasons to keep going, even if this Saturday morning routine is not on those lists! 

And do you know who usually offers me that pep talk?  Is it my incredibly gracious and loving husband (who is often fighting with the coffee pot that can't make his much needed energy drink fast enough)?  Nope.  Is it my best friend and laughter partner sister (who hasn't yet had to deal with little ones every night and every morning that follows, and so is often still in bed)?  Nope.  Is it the lots of experience and lots of wisdom figure of my own mother (who is often dealing with her own less-than-favored Saturday morning routine at her home, trying hard to recall her own maternal reasons lists)?  Nope. 

No.  In the strange irony that is life, and perhaps GOD's humor, I get my "Saturday morning, you can do this and maybe even embrace and love it despite all the fatigue and nutsiness you keep praying will go away" pep talk from none other than those who cause me to need it in the first place - my kids! 

I'm somehow enlivened when my little boy climbs onto the bed or couch where I'm hoping to catch just a few more minutes of rest for my heavy eyes, and says "wanna snuggle with you Mamma so you not be so lonely."  My eyes lighten a little.  Or when my little girl holds out her tiny hand and yells excitedly, "ashes, ashes!" for a game of Ring Around the Rosies with her Mommy.  My body finds just enough energy to get off the couch. 

I am somehow calmed when my little weirdo son looks at me just as I'm about to start yelling at him or grumbling about his still-asleep-dadda under my breath because I'm too tired to handle the frustration of an early morning trouble-maker, and he says "N-N no wanna time out not now; just wanna play with cars and be a monkey; maybe make Momma mad anudder day."  My shoulders relax a little.  Or when my little girl's blond hair curls cutely in the back and her mouth forms an "I know you'll say no, but look how cute I am" grin as she asks for a 'cuckie' or 'mallow' for breakfast.  My face lets down its guard just enough to grin a bit myself. 

I am somehow encouraged when those little rugrats who wear me out like I never imagined and always seem to wake up precisely when I want them to sleep the most, prove themselves the little miracles who give me life like I never imagined and always seem to offer me wisdom precisely when I think I have it all figured out.  That little boy with big ears and a lot to say...my fatique lifts a little.  That little girl with long eye lashes and a ton of attitude...my heart finds the motivation it needs to see the world, once again, as awesome.  Those little ones with adorable jammies and so much silliness...and I keep going.  Saturday morning after Saturday morning, and each day in between. 

I think that well-spoken young pep-talker in the video was right - we (especially mothers) have work to do; and we can crab at it, or we can dance about it.  I thank GOD my kids like to dance, and help remind me to do the same.  I was made to create something that would make the world awesome.  I was made to be a mother, and have already created two beyond-awesome little ones!  (They are my "Space Jam!")  My kids are the ones who just by their being and being around me, remind me why I became a mother, why I love this role, and why I want nothing more (not even a quiet Saturday morning) than to be here, on this path that leads to awesomeness.  They are my every day, living pep talks.  And I don't know what I would do without them on my team!  

(Of course, if anyone else is in need of a pep talk, let me know; I'd be happy to help any Saturday morning you like :D) 

One of the most generous men you'd ever meet

It has been a hard, whirlwind week.  One filled with shock and mourning, tears and laughter, love and prayers.  One in which we said good-bye to my uncle, Larry.  

Larry died in his sleep on Friday, at age 54.  (See Larry's obituary)  And amidst the questions and anger at our inability to understand how or why he was taken from us so early and unexpectedly, also mingles the memories and joy of how and why we loved this man so very much.  Because he was, for a lack of any better words, Larry. 

I myself have memories and thoughts of Larry that can't be explained or confined to a blog post.  No words will do justice to the greatness of this man, nor the greatness of our loss!  Nevertheless, I share a brief glimpse into what Larry's life meant to many of us and what my heart is saying at this time.  Here is the prayer I wrote for his wake prayer service:

GOD of Love,

You who have gathered generations of family and decades of friends here together tonight to celebrate the life of our brother Larry;

You who have revealed Yourself to us through the love, demeanor and actions of Larry’s life;

You who have lightened Larry’s burdens these past 54 years,

As he grew up in his large farming family,

As he worked home and farm and industry,

As he born and raised four beautiful children,

As he watched family grow through marriage and children, and dealt with loss of those dear to him,

As he supported friends, family and community so generously,

As he struggled in hard times, and rejoiced in all that he held dear;

You who gave Larry to us;

We ask that now, as You take him home to be with you in Your Kingdom of peace and love,

May you also lighten our burdens at this time, as we say ‘Good bye for now’ to our beloved:

Son,

Brother,

Father,

Grandfather,

Uncle,

Friend

And true treasure, Larry.

Eternal rest grand unto him Oh LORD,

And let perpetual light shine upon him.

Rest in peace Larry, knowing that we love you and will continue to do so, until we meet again!