A Baby Changes Everything

Let me start this blog by telling you a couple of things about myself. In my late 20’s, I remember telling my sister that I didn't think that I wanted kids. The world was crazy, why would I want to bring a life into it for him/her to have to deal with all the madness? Skip ahead lots of years, I married at age 49, I told my husband all I could ask for was a house with matching furniture. Most of the furniture he owned and I owned came from different people, places and times. We still have the same furniture from the time we got married.

I was blessed to retire at age 57. John asked what my plans were. I had it all laid out, Mondays were wash days, Tuesdays were cleaning days, Fridays belonged to Kroger. I was going to volunteer at nursing homes, maybe Hosparus, and church. Or I might like to watch a couple of preschoolers because we could go to the zoo, the science center, to the parks, and play. Be careful what you say, God listens and He will give you what you ask for sometimes, or his variation of it.

Today I have a day to myself. The house is quiet. Anthony is with his grandmother. And John is working in the office. So that gives me time to think and reflect. As I look around, I realize there are toys under the ottoman, some are peeking out from under the couch, and a ball is stuck underneath our bed. When I open my drapes to the front window, there are fingerprints, sneeze prints and places where someone likes licking the glass (all glass actually). Sadly, not all of those things are from the same child.

There was a time in my life that I would have cleaned the glass as soon as the little left. I’d sweep my floors and make sure all of the toys were put in their place. Now I don't care so much. That doesn't seem as important. My house is toddlerized. What does that mean? Well, there are toys scattered in various places. The whole house is a play yard. It's a place to wander and explore for Anthony and the adults who live here. The other day I reached in to get a bowl out of the cabinet and found a puzzle piece inside. There are plastic lids throughout the house (I spend a lot of time re-washing dishes). 

If toys aren't under our feet, he is. I may need a new hip one day after tripping over a moving toddler. As for a clean house, I do have to clean my floors each week, as he samples anything lying on the floor, edible or not. He also drags a milk cup that sometimes leaks and food that's stuck to his clothing during meals, falls off as he walks around. Yesterday he removed my dish drying mat from the oven handle and before I could grab it, he proceeded to sit on it and scoot around the island with it under his butt.There are toy baskets, toy containers, clothes bins, diaper bags, a crib, 2 strollers and a car seat all for a toddler that doesn't belong to us. He is on loan from his parents when they need childcare.

Anthony talks all the time, likes to see his reflection in the glass, loves Ms. Rachel and thinks John is the bomb at this house. I am the cook, maid, and diaper changer. He keeps me busy. When people ask me what I am doing in retirement, John is quick to show a picture. I am thinking that I will get up at 5:30 AM,  and wait for a toddler who is ready for breakfast at 7AM. I cook breakfast (sometimes I get to eat it too), wash dishes, change a dirty diaper, and hold a little until he goes down for his morning nap. Then starts all over again for lunch and afternoon nap. I don't get much cleaning done on those days, but John and I don't care.
 
Ok so what is the point of all of this? Let’s look back at the fact I didn't think I wanted to have kids. My life has been toddlerized as well as my house. God called me to Kids ministry at age 30 and I haven't left yet. I’ve worked with preschoolers through youth in my life journey. Today I teach preschool Sunday School. This is how kids changed my perspective on life. My sister told me in my 20’s that by having a child, I might be raising the next peace maker. If you know my family, you would understand why I might question that thought in my 20’s. Now at 60, I understand what she meant. 

Kids are a way God shows us hope. They will explore and dream things my generation could not. They will see the world and people differently. They are the chance to spread love to all people unconditionally. The children of today have the ability to eradicate diseases, racism, and prejudices of tomorrow. They will have ideas and visions that we cannot see today, because they will see and experience the world differently than you or I.

Children keep you young, excited and keep you learning. I love that I can talk with and listen to what my great nephew (21 yrs old) and great niece (20 yrs old) have to say about the world around them. They are not bitter from the hurt around them. They question some of what is going on in the world and wonder how they can make life better for themselves and those around them. They are not tainted with anger or hurt. They have dreams and ideals to have a good life with realistic expectations. They are more accepting of people where they are and not where they think those people should be. All of these things are lessons and reminders for me. They are glimpses of hope, through the eyes of the generations coming from behind.

Our house now enjoys the giggles and squeals of a toddler. We experience times of snuggles and hugs. Yes, it makes all of the prints left on glass worth it. That’s why I leave them, as a reminder that they grow up fast and to stop and enjoy each moment I have with kids. They will impact your life just as much as you will leave an impact on theirs. 

A couple of things I have learned working with kiddos is that more is caught than taught, so your presence is important. The other thing is that kids remember the time you spend with them, engaging in what is important to them and loving them. I am grateful to all of my friends and family who have allowed me the opportunity to take care of their kids, spend time with them, and love them as if they were my own. As always, I am not responsible for
any future counselling your child (children) may need.

As we continue this Advent Season, we are reminded how a baby changed everything. Did Mary and Joseph have any clue how that child would change their world? Did they understand how His presence would change people? If it had not been for that small infant born in a stable so many years ago, we would not have the hope of reconciliation with God, our Creator. We wouldn't have the opportunity to know the Son of God in a real and personal relationship. Or the peace and joy that He brings to all of us.

May all the children that are born now and in years to come be a reminder to us the hope that God gave us through His child so long ago.