Being A Mom For Many

We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us develop endurance (Romans 5:3, NLT).
From the heart of my precious daughter I was so touched by a post she had that I had to share bits and pieces with you.....and then add my own two cents worth.  Brian and Kathryn (Kat)  live in a house with 16 girls...ok...its 18, now.  Their home is full to the brim of every kind of emotion you can imagine.  "It is a loud and proud house.  (I fit right in).  Anyhow, teenage girls like to eat.  In case you didn't know this-they do.  They like to diet for a day---then, eat everything in the house.  Its real.  Lately, I feel like every time I am outside of the house one of them is calling me and asking for ice cream, or chips, or milk, or cookies, or something sweet.  I haven't thought much of it.  Last night, Brian and I took some guests to the mall.  While we were there, two or three of our girls called and wanted to know where we were, how long we would be gone, when we would be home, AND if we could bring them some food home.  For a split second, I thought-Goodness gracious-I feel like every time I leave the house someone is calling and wanting me to pick up this or get that or find food.  I felt flustered for all of two seconds.  Then, God (in all of His infinite wisdom) whispered to my heart....Kathryn, this is a Mom's life."  (I have to insert a laugh here because this was my life as a mom.  It did not matter where I was or how old the kids were....this happened.)   It broke my child and she shared how she  felt sooooo incredibly full of His grace and Mercy...."I felt so humbled and honored that He would let me have some tiny little role in the lives of 18 or so of the most amazing human beings who ever walked this planet.

 I know I am not their mother....but He is letting me love them and serve them like a mother....and for that....for that and all of its endless tasks and demands....I am so grateful. I may have cried a bit in the Fourchette.  Last night, when Brian and I finally returned home after several hours away, we were met with smiles so big and hugs so massive--That had nothing to do with the goodies we had in our bags.  Last night, I felt like I could not get home quick enough to lay eyes on our dear little family.  I felt like I just needed to see them and be with them....and here their melodious and loud laughter.....to hear about their days....to hear their jokes....to see their eyes light up.  There is nothing sweeter than stepping out for a moment and then stepping back in to a home where I know love lives."  (Amen my child)  "Our house is not perfect and we have such a long way to go in this role as House Parents.  But, y'all....I love it.  God made us for this.  For however long this part of our journey lasts...I want to savor every feeling God gives me....even if they make me cry in the middle of Moldovan grocery stores.  I love this role He has for me.  Please pray that I can live every moment in full awareness of the goodness of His plan...that I never tire of the joy and struggle that is loving these 18 girls.  Thank you Jesus for picking us!"   Kathryn grew up being one of my dearest friends.  There were struggles and conflicts...in what household does this not exist? We loved shopping trips and traveling together and even now  when we are together seeing teenagers and their moms interacting sends us both into hilarious laughter.   While she was home for her father's funeral we shared a lot of sweet memories and it made my heart so tender.  Kathryn was my emotional balance and my joy.  I am all puffed out with pride as I watch her being someone else's joy.  Does a mom's heart good.