Our Whirlwind Weekend

It's hard to know where to begin! This weekend was so jam-packed with celebrations and milestones. So much occurred in such a very short time!

The weekend began with our annual Prom Alternative. Each year, youth ministries sponsors this alternative to the high school prom. The girls get their hair done and arrive in beautiful formals, the guys wear suits and ties. There's no pressure to attend with a date...in fact, we encourage our kids to come without a date! It's a whole lot more fun to hang out with friends...with the benefit of no added stress!

We take umpteen pictures to chronicle the evening, and then dine in a fine restaurant. Following dinner, we visited a local coffeehouse where there was a guy doing live performances of 60's music. The coffeehouse was the pick-up spot for carriage rides, so while each group of 8 took their turn on a scenic drive, the rest of us sipped lattes, cappuccinos, and sang along to "What a Wonderful World."

Following our coffees and carriage rides, the kids were given the option of changing into casual attire and playing a round of Laser Tag. Those who wished to remain dressed up just relaxed and enjoyed one another's company.

Finally we went back to our church where elegant desserts awaited us. We gathered together in a cozy, dimly lit room with a roaring fire. We enjoyed delectable specialties like Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake and Death by Chocolate. And then my husband led all of us in a devotional about dating and marriage.

It was such a God-honoring night! There was no shame or embarrassment regarding where we'd been or what we'd done. Our kids were able to enjoy a fabulous memory-making night with their friends, but without regrets. Our Prom Alternative is always a highlight of the year, and this year was no exception.

So that was Friday night. On Saturday, the day we've anticipated for 6 years finally arrived! My husband graduated with his master's degree! And not only did he graduate...he graduated Summa Cum Laude! I'm so proud of the excellence with which he completed his studies, all while balancing family and full-time ministry. As I sat through the ceremony, my heart spilled forth with praise for God's faithfulness! Later we were able to celebrate at a favorite restaurant with our boys, parents, and very dear friends. What a precious day!

Of course, yesterday was Mother's Day, and my husband woke up early to go pick up some McDonald's breakfast for the two of us. The boys were still asleep, so we laid in bed...just the two of us...while dining on McD's breakfast burritos and hashbrowns. Sweet memories!

When he left for church, the boys were still asleep. When they awoke, there were no children running to greet me with Mother's Day hugs, well-wishes, and sentiments. In fact, they asked me what we were doing in the afternoon, and when I told them we were going to visit their grandparents for Mother's Day, no light bulb went off in their heads! And when they saw the wrapped presents on the table and asked what they were for, I replied that they were for Mother's Day. They still didn't get it! As I was ranting and raving in my mind about the injustice of it all, I heard our youngest suddenly gasp, "It's Mother's Day!" At which point all three came running to me and embraced me in a sea of hugs.

Today, with a little further perspective (and a meeker heart), I realize that the disappointment I felt yesterday wasn't our boys' fault...it was mine. I'm selfish and have way-too-many expectations. I think I deserve such and such. I want my Mother's Day to look like a Hallmark commercial. And when it doesn't, I grow discontent.

Thank God that He's still working in me! So often I exalt myself and put myself on the throne of my heart. I believe myself to be pretty special, and I think I deserve the thanks, honor, and recognition of my loved ones. Yet when I stop to consider the awesome majesty and holiness of God, I'm put in my proper place. If I'm exalting myself, I can't be exalting Him.

And so perhaps the best gift I received this Mother's Day didn't come wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with a bow...it came in the form of God's gentle nudging; His loving reminder that this life is not about me. It's all about His glory, His fame. He's given me the privilege of being the mom to these beautiful sons He's entrusted to me. And their purpose is not to bring glory to me, but to bring glory to our Great God. He alone is worthy.

We were glad to be able to visit with each of our moms yesterday, showering them with love and honor. We are truly blessed by the sacrificial love of these two lovely women!

So that was our whirlwind weekend. The common thread through these days and events is God's grace. We give him praise and honor for the great things that He has done!