Tender Mercies

Tender mercies tend to come through the tribulation...I have learned! This doesn't mean that tribulation will soon cease; it merely gives aide to the trial currently experienced, and all too often, the tough climb ahead. I received a tender mercy last night.

The boys have been home all week...school district boundaries are driving us nuts! Along with school district boundaries, the boys themselves are driving me nuts! They have too much energy for a home with too little boy toys! Believe me, Santana and Gabe have tried...they even surprised them with a blue and green hot wheels car one morning, but the boys need SCHOOL right now. They have been through a summer packed with a new baby, a lost job, a big sister--still a babe herself--begging for attention anytime the new baby is down, and another move. They are also very excited to start school...more school dilemmas another time...

The boys released their energy though rampaging shopping market aisles yesterday. They begged for every item on the shelf and threw silly tantrums for 5 and 7 year old boys because "no" was the answer they received for the most part. On top of tantrums, tears began to flow endlessly with wails of, "He got 2 snacks, and I only got one". I was beat...so I continued eating my almond kisses, like any good mother would! This Mommy threw her own pouting fit for a moment when the grocery store wasn't stocked with the items needed for a nice special dinner for my husband and the Smiths. Yesterday just didn't go well...

But then, as I was about to throw my hands up and scream "I surrender", the Lord gave me a tender mercy. I held Maya in my arms as I was preparing the substitute dinner I came up with. She faced outwards, my left arm snugly wrapped along her chubby belly...and she fussed with the fatigue of a long day. I was determined to sit my three older children down to dinner before I ran to give Maya her last feeding and place her safely to sleep. I turned her around and placed her head on my shoulder to convince her that she would be more comfortable in a different position--but convincing was out of the question. Maya instantly became still, her body relaxed into a helpless sleep, her eyes closed, and she drifted to sleep on my shoulder.

Shane gave me that same exact tender mercy at the same age...in every single motion, whimper, and cry. It reminded me, for a moment, that as a mother I will face screaming, tantrums and tears more often than still loving cuddly moments...but the Lord will give me those moments when I most need them to carry me through. The relief was indescribable, and it prepared me for today as I am again facing more tantrums, obstacles with schools, and yes...always tears!

Did I mention how much I love the New Mexico skies? The sun? The cool nights and warm days? And even the wind that brought my young track star stride to a complete standstill in high school? Yes, I am happy to be back! I believe these kids will find enjoyment here as well...the wind was a thrill for them as they ran against it and with it...back and forth...dozens of times! Oh, to be a child again!