Oof. You put exact words to what the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me on. And I'm a mom of boys. But my sons' request is the same: "Play with me!" And my struggle is the same: "I'm too tired." But that just means I've allocated my energies to the wrong values.
What a great article! Thank you, Jon Tyson. And for what you aptly called the "piercing insight" of Ronald Rolheiser--about the joyful noise (unto the Lord) of children irritating us "because it interferes with our depression"! That certainly hit home.
The choice you so beautifully describe applies just as much to *mothers*, it seems to me, especially in the unfortunate situation of single mothers, as we face the same challenges in the same "grinding world." Thank you for so clearly laying out the issue, along with the perfect solution, for the joy of both parent and child, in the joy of the Lord.
Beautiful. An important message for this time of intense grief. Joy can not only coexist, but it is a counter-balance and buoy so that grief stays grief, instead of turning into despair.
Spontaneous Joy out of our kids, really got me. (And fortunately, it didn’t happen to me!)
My best memories of my Dad came when fishing, seeking out waterfalls, marveling at wildflowers, shooting hoops out back, playing Scrabble or Pinochle. I especially remember the way his eyes crinkled up when he was about to say something funny and offbeat. We weren’t wealthy, far from it, but never lacked for anything. We had Jesus, family, love and laughter.
I want to be a mother, too, who is playful and filled with wonder. I often feel ‘burdened’ by all that I see that needs to be done—especially when I feel it’s tied to my vocation and call. I leave the playing to my husband. But I want to foster playfulness and fun for my children, and also for myself. Thanks for the nudge.
Whether there are children in our lives or not, being light-hearted would be such a gift to the world. I’ve been thinking this week about a challenge offered recently (John Mark Comer?)— to pray to become an un-anxious presence. Yes and Amen. The world, my children, my church does not need more stress from the likes of me, but to be blessed by genuine light-heartedness. I’m thinking also of E Peterson’s translation of Matthew 11: Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Being with Jesus more seems to be the prescription for lightheartedness.
Oof. You put exact words to what the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me on. And I'm a mom of boys. But my sons' request is the same: "Play with me!" And my struggle is the same: "I'm too tired." But that just means I've allocated my energies to the wrong values.
What a great article! Thank you, Jon Tyson. And for what you aptly called the "piercing insight" of Ronald Rolheiser--about the joyful noise (unto the Lord) of children irritating us "because it interferes with our depression"! That certainly hit home.
The choice you so beautifully describe applies just as much to *mothers*, it seems to me, especially in the unfortunate situation of single mothers, as we face the same challenges in the same "grinding world." Thank you for so clearly laying out the issue, along with the perfect solution, for the joy of both parent and child, in the joy of the Lord.
Oof—that line from Rolheiser sure pierced me!
Beautiful. An important message for this time of intense grief. Joy can not only coexist, but it is a counter-balance and buoy so that grief stays grief, instead of turning into despair.
Excellent article. The line about sedating the
Spontaneous Joy out of our kids, really got me. (And fortunately, it didn’t happen to me!)
My best memories of my Dad came when fishing, seeking out waterfalls, marveling at wildflowers, shooting hoops out back, playing Scrabble or Pinochle. I especially remember the way his eyes crinkled up when he was about to say something funny and offbeat. We weren’t wealthy, far from it, but never lacked for anything. We had Jesus, family, love and laughter.
I want to be a mother, too, who is playful and filled with wonder. I often feel ‘burdened’ by all that I see that needs to be done—especially when I feel it’s tied to my vocation and call. I leave the playing to my husband. But I want to foster playfulness and fun for my children, and also for myself. Thanks for the nudge.
Thank God for this as my two daughters need humor and playfulness from me...
To be a joyful bubble in a world of pins.
My husband is such a good example of this. Thank you for the reminder to point out his gift of play and adventure when I see it.
Wonderful. We need more of this!
Lovely and moving, thank you.
Whether there are children in our lives or not, being light-hearted would be such a gift to the world. I’ve been thinking this week about a challenge offered recently (John Mark Comer?)— to pray to become an un-anxious presence. Yes and Amen. The world, my children, my church does not need more stress from the likes of me, but to be blessed by genuine light-heartedness. I’m thinking also of E Peterson’s translation of Matthew 11: Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Being with Jesus more seems to be the prescription for lightheartedness.