Missing in Action

It's Fall craziness at our home which is the reason that my blog has been inactive the past several weeks. For some reason, our three young'uns have chosen to participate in activities that occupy our time and energy from September until early Spring. Perhaps this is their way to ensure that we enter that mental institution to recover from the insanity this causes. Or, maybe they simply desire to experience freedom in the Spring to enjoy the sun and warmth that once again bestows its pleasure on us poor folk doomed to frigid temperatures in the midwest. The most obvious reason, however, is that tennis, gymnastics, cheerleading and performing in a musical seem to be Fall and Winter activities. Bummer! Still, what else would I be doing during this time of year if I weren't coordinating pick ups and drop offs and organizing how three children are going to get to their various activities that occur within minutes of each other? You wouldn't find me sunbathing at the pool in 50 degree weather, yet most assuredly you'll find me dreaming about a beach somewhere in the tropics. So, I suppose I am thankful that my first, middle and youngest whippersnappers haven't chosen the Spring to cause my insanity; otherwise, they might be taking a cab to their events!


For all my complaining (and yes, I know that Paul in Philippians says to do everything without complaining and arguing...and I suppose my star isn't shining quite so brightly at this particular moment), I really do treasure these moments of seeing my kids shine. As I watched Nick perform in the chorus of "Hello Dolly" and actually polka dance, I beamed with delight. During the waiter scene, I was amazed at his agility as he weaved in perfect synchronization between other waiters hoisting platters above their heads. Could this actually be my Nick parading around this stage or merely a stunt double? My Nick has never danced. Yet, he made it look quite simple, like he'd been performing the polka for years. Tears invaded my eyes as I viewed his performance. Peacocks could not be prouder of their fanned feathers as I was that glorious night.


Not to be outdone by her brother, Alix competed in her first level 8 gymnastics meet with passion and excitement. I never get tired of watching this amazing girl do her stuff on the beam, bars, floor and vault. I suppose I'm in awe at her powerful tumbling passes on the floor, her ability to throw a back handspring on a 4 inch beam, the giants she completes on the bars and the unbelievable pike sukes with a double back she performs on the vault. Even though these meets are four hours long with the Alix' actual routines only about 1 minute maximum in length, I delight in watching her reach for her potential. Tony has offered to go in my place, so I don't have to travel the distances we drive to compete, but I can't not go! A point will come when watching these babies of mine show their stuff will be a thing of the past. Until that time, I plan to take advantage of every moment to be there.


Then we have Maddie, the baby, competing in her first level 4 meet as a novice gymnast. What fun it is to watch her as she attempts to simply remember her routines. You can practically see the wheels turning inside that brain of hers, "What do I do next?" I've never seen such tight legs and pointed toes. It seems so automatic with her. Still, she's a speed racer in ALL of her routines. Her goal? To get them over with as quickly as possible. Then, to watch both of my gymnasts receive medals as they stand on the podium during the awards ceremony is another proud moment for me. They beam at me as if to say, "See, look what we did?"


These are moments of joy for me as a mom to see my children reach goals they've worked hard for through months of practice. Of course, they could simply be, and I'd be incredibly proud of them. Isn't that how our heavenly Father sees us? We are his children, and he loves us whether we do fabulous things or not. In fact, I believe that he is more concerned with our "being" than our "doing". My greatest desire is that my children become more like Jesus than that they accomplish great things by the world's standards. Still, there's nothing quite like beholding a 16 year old dance across the stage or two beautiful girls flip across the floor ending with a gymnast salute!