Behold, Children are a Heritage from the Lord

Sitting at a baseball tournament watching seven-year-old children play baseball is an eye-opening experience for me. It is not like I had not had that experience before because both my son and daughter played on travel baseball and softball teams. The difference is this time I am experiencing it as a grandmother.  My only agenda is to watch and support my grandson.

The experience begins much too early on Saturday morning. We have to be on the baseball field, a half an hour away, by 7:00 a.m. to warm up for a game to begin at 8:00 a.m. If we are one minute late, there are consequences for my little grandson. Parents and children awake and the day begins at a frazzled pace. Do we have all the equipment? Is he wearing the right uniform? Do we have drinks and snacks? Are we prepared for the weather and being out most of the day? Mom and dad are cross with each other. Everyone seems to be cross and so the day begins in a cloud of unhappiness.

The trip to the baseball field is filled with chatter about how the team is couched and how it is too much pressure. I hear stories of how parents act and treat their sons. And then we arrive at the field and I get to see first hand all the stories play out. I know all these things happened when I was the parent because as I sit back I remember. The difference now is that I am older and wiser and I am on the other side of this story.

My heart aches as I hear the parents yelling at their small sons all the things they are doing wrong.  “Stop whining….stop being lazy….get your head in the game…..your attitude stinks…..”  I hear the parents complaining about the calls made and how the other team’s parents are acting. Every once in awhile I’m caught up in the moment and find myself wanting to complain about a call. It is easy to fall into the negative energy surrounding me. I attempt to fight my way back and remember that if I say I am a Christian and following Jesus then I am called to live differently.

If you are caught up into thinking that your child has to be engaged 24/7 or they won’t make it in life, pause for a moment and let your soul catch up. So what example are you setting for your children? Are you showing them how to be frazzled and overwhelmed? Are you teaching them to be critical of others? What does your example show them is truly important in life?

Put your phones down and clear your calendars because children grow up way too fast. I know that now because I’m on the other side of the story.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3

Sitting in The Holy Space

Several months ago I read about a Mandorla. I drew a picture of one and wrote some notes in my journal. I neglected to write down the source so I apologize that I cannot tell you where I first read about the Mandorla.

My notes say a Mandorla inspires action. It is the union of opposites. It offers a place to sit with the tension. It is balm for wounds. Since the drawing in my journal was a little rough, I decided to use my computer to make a more pleasing picture of the mandorla from my journal. 

Instead of rushing to judgment, what would it be like to sit with the tension? It seems we all think our way is the right way and we refuse to listen to any other side. Today pause and sit in the holy space, the place where opposites are united. Listen and remember:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and

slow to become angry.

James 1:19 (NIV)