As a mother of a semi-large family at times I find it difficult to take all my children with me to the grocery stores. I always try to remind my children that because there is more than two of them and because we're usually out during the day that we have a responsibility to shine for Jesus. Other people judge us whether we like it or not. I've tried to train my children to respond positively when people ask what they're doing out during school and I've tried to train myself to respond with a smile when people ask if they're ALL mine! I must admit that sometimes we fail miserably at this. The kids fight and whine and I huff when the fourth person says " wow you have your hands full!"
Yesterday we all headed to Kroger to get groceries and go to the bank. Our first stop was the Valentine clearance section, where the begging began. "Look at the cute stuffed animals! Can we get one?" As I was saying no I heard a voice say, " Are they all yours?" I turned and saw the cutest 85 year old women ( I know her age because she told me!!) who then told me she was one of ten children. She was only able to have two of her own but she loved children. She told me about her husband and her family. Meanwhile, my children had gathered around to hear her story and were all listening quietly! She asked me if I was married and I said yes and she told me how different things are today than when she was younger. We talked for about 15 minutes when she said, " I want to give something to the children", she pulled out five one dollar bills and gave one to each them. All my children were so grateful except my oldest who didn't want to take a little old ladies money!!
It would have been easier to smile and walk away than take the time to talk to her. But I would have missed being a blessing to her and being blessed by her. She wasn't appalled by my large family, instead she praised it. I have no doubt that God sent me that messenger to me to lift my spirits and encourage me. Take the time to speak to others even when your children are screaming and fighting. Take the time to bless somebody because you'll end up being blessed too!!
5 comments:
Penny pinchin momma-
I too am a mamma of five. I have been blog hopping for the last week looking for inspiration on how i can live the life of me dreams wiht MY five sweet blessings. That dream would be to save money, lose our debt and be the best Christian, wife and mama I can be.
I stopped off at the Salvation Army today looking for a bread machine wiht my ten year old who was home from school sick. On the way out we saw a tiny little 80ish women struggling to load her two new chairs in her car in the pourin rain....We stopped to load them for her. As we dashed from the rain to our own car my son said that was a nice thing to do and it made all of us feel good. My first thought was how that tiny old women had blesed our day..... Cheers to you for taking the time to spend with your new friend . Blessing her as much as she you. I can't wait to learn more from you-
Many thanks for your heart warming story and thanks from above for our blessings today!
Sincerely,
Stephanie J - Not really blogging the save and learn thing yet...Maybe someday!
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