A Good Night Kiss

The morning sun filtered into gently through the front windows. Faintly, I could hear the early call of some cheery birds … What type of bird is so lively in the early morning hours, I wondered as I puttered downstairs to begin boiling water for my morning coffee.

Several minutes later, freshly dressed and washed and ready for the day, I sat down with my Bible, my notebook and my hot delicious coffee. A wave of anxiety rushed over my mind as I listed off the to-do list for this Monday.


Sipping my coffee, I realized my task list seemed rather long and heavy. With a two month old and homeschooling for a large family still in effect, a full garden to run and house that does not clean itself (not to mention food that does not cook without some sort of a plan), how would my heavy-loaded day turn out?

Lord, how do I get it all done? I asked, simply taking it to Jesus in my prayers.

There’s too much to do, I sighed.

 

And as I referred to my morning devotions, there was my answer.
What is eternal in my day?

What is taken to Heaven with you?

What matters in light of eternity?

 

“Perhaps you find it hard to accomplish everything each day, too. Maybe you have been frustrated as I have. Relax. Don’t get upset over what you can’t finish today. There’s another day tomorrow. In light of eternity, it’s not going to matter whether you finish your task today or the next day. Dear mother, God only expects you to accomplish what is possible in the hours He has given you. You don’t have to get everything done. Be content with what you can accomplish, There is a new dawn tomorrow.
It is more important to set the right tone in your home and create an atmosphere of rest, peace and harmony, than to make everyone tense by getting through something just for the sake of getting through it.
-Nancy Campbell, 100 Days of Blessing

The chores, yes, can be done, but without anxiety or stress.

The meals? Yes, they will be cooked – and as I have learned, preparation and thinking ahead is the key. Those dirty floors will get washed – but in between – I must not be too rushed to spend time with those little ones who made that floor unclean.

 

The garden would be tended – most likely with help from my great crew of girls.

Yes, the heavy tasks of the day would be met head on, but instead of being stressed and frustrated, I would embrace the day with an eternal vision — my children and my family are more important than crossing off each tasks on the list.

One of my favorite songs came to my mind as I closed my devotional book and Bible and headed for the laundry room, where a load of cleaned clothes required hanging on the line before the household awoke…

These daily tasks are privileges. And greeting my nine children in the morning with a smile and a hug is much more important than perfectly clean home.

Good Night Kiss
Steve & Annie Chapman

I count it as a privilege
I count it cause for praise
to kiss my children goodnight
at the close of everyday
for I know too soon they’re off and gone
and walkin’ out the door
and I’ll never have a child to kiss
goodnight anymore

It’s very strange how times have changed
from the present to the past;
When did they grow so quickly
the time has flown so fast
For it seems that only yesterday
I helped him with his shirt
or pat my baby on the back
or kissed away a hurt …

Tell the story read a book
wipe a nose or tie a shoe
They never ask me to rub their back
the way they used to do.
Once it was a bother
just a troublesome kind of chore;
Now I would give anything
to do it just once more …

 

Mommy, bounce me on your knee
Daddy, flip me in the air
throw a rubber ball to me
and help me comb my hair
Mommy, tickle my tummy
Daddy, hold me high
Let’s go outside for awhile
or make a kite to fly …

 

 

I count it as a privilege,
I count it cause for praise
to kiss my children goodnight
at the close of everyday
for I know too soon they’re off and gone
and walkin’ out the door
and I’ll never have a child to kiss
goodnight anymore.

June 10, 2020 - 10:08 pm

Teresa @ SF Thank u for asking about my garden . I dont have a tiller , my hubby borrows one and he hasn’t took the time to do so. I have a raise bed with onions and tomatoes and another very small Bed with peppers. Near my greenhouse door I planted four watermelon plants and I am training the vine to go into my greenhouse. Watermelons love it hot and humid. I have a few cucumbers and pumpkin planted. I am hoping he tills a small spot for , corn , green and lima beans how is your garden doing?

June 8, 2020 - 9:16 am

Monica I haven’t heard this sweet song in years! Lovely. Lovely photos as well. Thank you for the wonderful reminders.

June 8, 2020 - 5:20 am

Gigi Shirley, yes, I love that phrase and adore Elisabeth Elliot’s advice. Thank you for reminding me to treasure these {busy!} days!

June 8, 2020 - 5:19 am

Gigi Teresa– thank you for the encouragement. Sometimes it makes me sad when parents have grown children but do not really “miss those days” … it’s wonderful that your good night kisses days are extended with your two at-home daughters!
P.S How is your garden coming along? 🙂

June 8, 2020 - 5:18 am

Gigi Regina, (hugs) …. I’m sure your daughters miss your kisses, too!

June 8, 2020 - 5:17 am

Gigi Katie, I use Nancy Campbell’s 100 Days of Blessings. It’s fantastic. I wish I could get her second book but I can’t find shipping to Canada yet.

June 7, 2020 - 6:30 am

Katie Taylor Aways so beautiful and encouraging! Thankyou Gigi, also wondering what devotional you use?
Blessings,
Katie

June 5, 2020 - 12:37 am

Regina Shea I miss kissing my girls goodnight. What a lovely story and your children keeps growing!

June 3, 2020 - 8:37 am

Teresa @ SF Beautiful and lovely thoughts…I am so thankful I am still living in those days…I dread to think of empty nest days. God has blessed us with five daughters, three have married and we are blessed with eight grand children. I am grateful to have two daughters still at home. I love that song! Your blog always gives me something to think on and reminds me to stay focus. Blessings sweet friend!

June 3, 2020 - 7:52 am

Shirley I remember those days, thinking I wasn’t sure where to begin. Now I know they were the most glorious days of my life. As Elisabeth Elliot said….just do the next thing. It’s difficult when there are many next things at hand all at once though. Your family is lovely, and it warms my heart to see how well it functions because the Lord is leading you.
God bless you

June 2, 2020 - 10:10 pm

Gramma Cardinal Love you all! See you soon! <3