…that holds a mother to life…

Posted September 6th, 2008 by Jen in education, family life

Children are the anchor...

Just wanted to share this wall hanging sign my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday last month. I love it.

Do you ever feel this way? After my first hectic week of teaching, I’m needing my children! I’ve been mostly away from them for seven hours a day, and what a joy to come home and be anchored again. I do see them throughout the day for bits here and there, since I teach at the same school they attend. For that I’m grateful.

Many of you have asked me how that first week has been. In many respects, it was wonderful. God has given me a deep love for all my students and I want the best for them. We’re off to a good start and getting into a comfortable routine, and most of the kids are working very diligently. In other ways, it was very difficult, as I’m learning how to handle a few of the very challenging students in my class.

This little saying on the sign, “Children are the anchor that holds a mother to Life” - it’s a sweet way of acknowledging that as a mother, my responsibility in caring for and raising my children, however rigorous it may be at times, actually offers me a lot of security! If I’ve had an exhausting, grueling day in the classroom, and a student says he hates school or maybe has a violent outburst in class, it’s nice to know that I’m still a mother with four lovely little children who adore their mommy and can’t wait for me to be home.

Can you think of some ways that your children keep you anchored to life?

10 Responses

  1. SmallWorld September 6th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    Oh, I LOVE that sign!! Where did she get it? I must find one. Yes, I find that my children absolutely anchor me to life, in every single way.

    Glad your first week went well!

  2. e-Mom September 6th, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    Praise God for a good MIL! Yes, we’re so blessed to have our children to anchor us to life. A wonderful bit of wisdom. :~D

  3. sheila September 6th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

    That’s awesome! I love it. To me it’s another way of saying, “She will be saved through childbearing.” Our kids really are a God-given anchor that keeps us full of life and engaged in life. I’m glad to hear your week went well! I too will probably be heading back to work of somekind real soon (my husband and i just had this talk last night so not sure of the details yet) and I know for sure that my own kids will be the highlight of my coming home!

    Sheila

  4. Kathleen September 6th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    I’m so glad to hear that your first week went well, I’ve been wondering about you.
    The sign is really great- every mother should have one!

  5. Jen September 6th, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    SmallWorld, I’ll find out for you, or maybe she’ll comment here and tell us! I agree, “in every single way.” When I’ve been away from my children for too long (um, a full day…) I really start to feel disconnected with the world. It’s interesting how God wired us.

    e-Mom, thanks. For now, this sign sits on my counter til we move into our new house and it has a permanent special place, already picked out.

    Sheila, I love how you related to this saying, that was great! Keep me updated on the possibility of work…will keep you in my prayers.

    Kathleen, thanks, it was a mixed bag. I got a love note from one student and a “I hate school” from another… :-) One thing’s for sure, my feet are killing me! I’m not used to being on my feet all day, and I’ve been dressing up, so my shoes haven’t been helping matters. I MUST find some really comfortable, but dressy, shoes.

  6. halfmoon girl September 7th, 2008 at 8:34 am

    Do you have Skechers down there? They are a cute, comfy brand- though they can be expensive if not on sale. I was wondering how things went- must be such a big adjustment. How do my kids keep me anchored to life-they remind me of priorities and keep me humble!

  7. tipper September 9th, 2008 at 7:50 am

    I so get what your saying in this post. My girls keep me anchored by needing my approval on everything from clothes to attitudes!

    So glad it’s going well for you all!

  8. Veggie Mom September 11th, 2008 at 8:06 am

    This saying is so true! I’m losing both my anchors tomorrow when they head back to college. I’m not sure what we’re going to do with this empty nest!

  9. Jen September 12th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    halfmoon - yes, a huge adjustment! But we’re happy with our decision, even through the difficult stretches. And you’re right, kids DO have a way of keeping us humble. :-)

    Tipper, I hadn’t thought of the “needing our approval” part, but it’s so true. There’s something about knowing that they require our input and guidance that is completely anchoring.

    Veggie Mom, Oh, so bitter-sweet. At this point, I can’t even bear to think about that time. I hope your kids come back often to visit!

  10. e-Mom September 12th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    Are you zzzzzzzzzzzz-ing? A very long week no doubt! Enjoy your weekend.

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