You Start It, You Finish It!

My Mom taught me long ago - I think it was in 8th grade when I still wanted to take dance lessons, but no longer wanted to do gymnastics - that you should fulfill your commitments. "I paid for a full year, and a full year is what you're going to do... for better or for worse," she'd say.

I see myself passing that philosophy onto Izzie when she fusses around on Saturday mornings and "doesn't want" to go to dance class. In actuality, it's the getting dressed, leaving her toys behind, and finishing her breakfast that she doesn't want to do. Once she is at class, she is happy as can be, and she thanks us for taking her (no really, sometimes she does!). Anyway, it is on these mornings that I understand where my Mom was coming from, having paid hard-earned money out of her own pocket for me to learn something or enjoy a recreational activity. I found myself on this particular morning telling my 3 year-old, "You only have 3 months left. You asked to do this. You will finish with all of the other little girls."

I reflect on that and giggle. Not only have I turned into my Mom, but my daughter is a toddler. If she didn't enjoy the activity itself, I would be the first one to excuse her from doing it. The fact that she enjoys it, in general, however, makes me want to use commitment clause.

MWM Turns 30

Why do you care about THAT?!

I have a co-worker that cares about a lot of things that I could not care less about. She wants me to lean her way in politics. She "can't believe" that one of our team members would dare do... this or that. She is angry at this person and that group, and she doesn't agree with the policies anywhere. Surely, I exaggerate, but the feeling I get is that she harbors a great deal of unresolved anger.

I care about serving God, taking care of my family, keeping my job, and enjoying the blessings that I have been given each day. As far as the other stuff is concerned, I do not have the passion or energy to care.

People & doing good work... those are the things that are important.

MWM Turns 30

A Good Doctor

I have a wonderful OB/gyn this time around! He practices alone, has a very caring and detailed nursing staff, takes the time to answer all patient questions, is supportive and understanding, and he makes my husband laugh. He knows that I need re-assurance each time that I am there, and he does not hesitate to sympathize with my "issues." I didn't have this type of Dr-Patient relationship during my last two pregnancies. Looking back... I missed out.

A good Doctor makes a big difference in how you feel mentally and emotionally during pregnancy, in addition to caring about your physical well-being. A good Doctor is "golden!"

MWM Turns 30

My Baby is Sick

It doesn't matter how old your "baby" is, whether 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years old. You don't want him or her to be sick. It is painful to watch your child be in pain, and you feel helpless seeing them be helpless. If she wanted candy, I could give her that. If she wanted to go to the zoo, I could take her there. When all she wants is to feel better, though, all that I can do is help her to get comfortable and pray.

My baby is sick, and I wish that my love alone could make her better.

MWM Turns 30

What To Give, When to Start, When to Stop...?

My Mom and I had this discussion yesterday after leaving Church. There are at least 5 different important ministries going on right now in our parish, and several more in other areas of our lives - work, school, community, etc. It can be frustrating to try to determine which to contribute time and finances to, particularly when you are working hard to control the day-to-day expenses in your own life. What do you give? When do you start? When do you stop?

Logically, I believe that God calls us to contribute time and talents to those opportunities that we feel most passionate about. Trouble is, I feel drawn to all of them, and wish that I had something to donate to each.

In closing the conversation, my Mom and I agreed that we should simply pray about this "dilemma." I wonder how many people of faith around the world carry these questions in their hearts?

MWM Turns 30