Mothering is a Juggling Act

Last weekend we surprised the kids with an adventure to a big juggling show.  There were over half a dozen acts, and the performers were funny and talented.  It was set to upbeat music, and the children saw feats of balance, sword swallowing, crazy fast yoyo moves, a world touring magnetic juggler, impressive baton twirling, and a unicycle taller than a grown man.  It was really cool.  I thought about how I don't have the talent to even juggle three balls, and their skills impressed me.  At some point it hit me that I can juggle, I just don't toss bowling pins or oranges.  I juggle planning, procuring, preparing, and cleaning up hot breakfasts, sack lunches, and home cooked meals.  I keep in the air permission slips, homework help, and ballet, soccer, and cross country schedules.  I can't spend three minutes straight with flat rings balanced on my forehead as I perform blind catches behind the back with two more rings, but I balance all of the demands of life as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, volunteer, and friend with as much grace as God provides.  Often it feels as though He isn't providing enough patience for me to effectively deal with sibling rivalry or incessant mud.  Juggling is all about precision and timing.  Life is not so.   Life is about balance.  Life is about keeping first things first and enjoying the moments that make a lifetime.  My prayer is that I am ever mindful of insuring that through the busyness of life with a young family, the children are ever aware of our parental love and that of their heavenly father.  I want to teach them to be loving, kind, independent, hard working, responsible, faith filled people in this crazy world.  And...I think Robbie should teach them to juggle.