During a fun day in the classroom, I kept thinking to myself, "Was it just a dream that I was in the cool, colorful, beautiful mountains of Colorado just yesterday?" The miracle of flight completely astounds me! (I could write a whole post on the experience and luxury of air travel, including early morning/late night hours spent people watching in the terminal where thousands of heads are bowed down to cellular devices.) After an uneventful arrival last night, one of my sweet students greeted me this morning with a question that melted me: "Mrs. Oliphint, what did you see in Colorado?" When I mentioned the colorful leaves, the mountains, a waterfall, and the valley she followed up with additional interest beyond her 5 years, "Did you see any rivers?" I love my job!!!
This lovely weekend included three of my very favorite things in life: my Mom, Crested Butte and hiking. I am SO very thankful for the blessing of time together while also enjoying the beauty of golden hiking trails in Crested Butte. To keep from stumbling along the mountain path, I spent a good bit of time with my eyes tuned into the uneven rocky soil, often missing the glorious beauty surrounding me. I kept reminding myself to pause, look up and take a photo in the midst the (sometimes exhausting) trail. Some of the most beautiful images were directly above my head.
At the end of our first day together and after a delicious meal with a friend, Mom and I walked her dogs after dark. Once again, the desire to look up was overwhelming. A crisp fall night in the mountains included a display of stars unlike any other. Millions of stars shined brightly in the blackest of black skies. I was stunned with thanksgiving to God for his greatness and majesty as I considered the vastness of his creation and the smallness of creatures like me. These reminders to look up are symbolic of the lessons I am learning throughout life. In the midst of uneven and challenging circumstances, I have to remind myself to look up and to trust in the Lord in the daily details of life. Similar to the glorious beauty above my head while surrounded by an aspen grove or a starlit sky, the greatness, goodness and glory of the Lord is there to behold when I raise my gaze to him. Similar to the hiking trail, my tendency is to keep my focus on things below and to navigate this world with careful steps. However, I'm confident that joy and peace in Christ comes only from looking up to him and to his kingdom.
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you." Isaiah 60:1-4
Monday, September 22, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Savoring the Insantiy
With 3 school weeks under our belt, our family has settled into a season of organized chaos. Just last week, after a full day in kindergarten, I barely made it to a middle school volleyball game in time when my oldest called from her tennis match and asked me to take her to get her car, so that she could make the first home football game. By the time I got to the tennis courts (at another high school), she had finished her match and was already in route to the game with friends (due to a communication break down) with her car left in the school parking lot. Naturally, her Dad and I picked up her car. After dropping Kyle at the high school, I drove through the take out line at Golden Chick on my way home. Having left the house at 6:30 in the morning, I found myself sitting in a long drive through line behind assorted pick-up trucks at 7:30 p.m. As I considered the lifestyle of a modern day family with two parents working outside the home, I found myself amused, while also exhausted. Many days, it's just not pretty, but from the world's perspective, we are living the life! This typical Thursday is not an unusual scenario for our family, let alone a great number of families in the midst of a teenage season of life. Now that we have a third driver, strangely, there are evenings when I have no idea of the whereabouts of our oldest daughter. From school to sports to babysitting to social outings, her presence in our home has become a treasure!
Several years ago, I was a stay-at-home mother with little girls constantly underfoot. I tended to nag and complain about too many hours of TV and too little family activity. Often, I bemoaned a mundane lifestyle where I put less than 5,000 miles on my car annually; we just stayed home. We didn't send our girls to "Mother's Day Out" or preschool, so we were always together. An exciting family event was pizza/movie night. Now, with the girls constantly scattered here and there, I find myself savoring the times when everyone is gathered around the television. While I can count on one hand, the number of date nights Kyle and I shared during the first 5 years of parenting, the teenage years include an abundance of time with just the two of us together. This Friday night was one of those occasions and we chose a busy, family friendly taco place. We were entertained by the adorable chaos surrounding us. A chatty 3 year old charmed us with friendly words and her sweet smile. A curly headed baby in a plaid button up, maybe 10 months old, sat behind us and screamed/babbled through the family dinner. A sweet 4 year old girl (with bright eyes, neon pink tennis shoes, jean mini-skirt and blond ponytail of curls on top of her head) captured our attention as she followed her Dad to their table-- straw in her mouth and purse on the arm. I'm guessing those parents were not quite as enamored with their adorable little ones during their busy family dinners. I certainly found eating out with our little girls to be a beating!
The following morning, (Saturday) included a baby shower to welcome two little babies to our church family. There were mothers from all seasons of life in the room: empty nesters/grandmothers, new mothers, ladies homeschooling and women who consider being mothers. I was caught off guard and brought to tears as I stumbled onto a conversation. "Women tend to read in blogs things like: .... I would not worry about the dishes; I would play with the kids more." While I mentioned I don't regret keeping a home where comfort included well ordered surroundings, I strongly relate with the sentiment of looking back and realizing I didn't treasure various seasons, chaos and all. With two girls in high school, this moment caused the tears to flow unexpectedly. Thankfully, in the midst of this crazy busy season for our family, I'm savoring the insanity of it all. Lately, my prayers include thanksgiving to the Lord for lifting my eyes to him and for the peace, joy and heavenly perspective that come through his presence and by his spirit, no matter the season or schedule of life.
Several years ago, I was a stay-at-home mother with little girls constantly underfoot. I tended to nag and complain about too many hours of TV and too little family activity. Often, I bemoaned a mundane lifestyle where I put less than 5,000 miles on my car annually; we just stayed home. We didn't send our girls to "Mother's Day Out" or preschool, so we were always together. An exciting family event was pizza/movie night. Now, with the girls constantly scattered here and there, I find myself savoring the times when everyone is gathered around the television. While I can count on one hand, the number of date nights Kyle and I shared during the first 5 years of parenting, the teenage years include an abundance of time with just the two of us together. This Friday night was one of those occasions and we chose a busy, family friendly taco place. We were entertained by the adorable chaos surrounding us. A chatty 3 year old charmed us with friendly words and her sweet smile. A curly headed baby in a plaid button up, maybe 10 months old, sat behind us and screamed/babbled through the family dinner. A sweet 4 year old girl (with bright eyes, neon pink tennis shoes, jean mini-skirt and blond ponytail of curls on top of her head) captured our attention as she followed her Dad to their table-- straw in her mouth and purse on the arm. I'm guessing those parents were not quite as enamored with their adorable little ones during their busy family dinners. I certainly found eating out with our little girls to be a beating!
The following morning, (Saturday) included a baby shower to welcome two little babies to our church family. There were mothers from all seasons of life in the room: empty nesters/grandmothers, new mothers, ladies homeschooling and women who consider being mothers. I was caught off guard and brought to tears as I stumbled onto a conversation. "Women tend to read in blogs things like: .... I would not worry about the dishes; I would play with the kids more." While I mentioned I don't regret keeping a home where comfort included well ordered surroundings, I strongly relate with the sentiment of looking back and realizing I didn't treasure various seasons, chaos and all. With two girls in high school, this moment caused the tears to flow unexpectedly. Thankfully, in the midst of this crazy busy season for our family, I'm savoring the insanity of it all. Lately, my prayers include thanksgiving to the Lord for lifting my eyes to him and for the peace, joy and heavenly perspective that come through his presence and by his spirit, no matter the season or schedule of life.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Remembering to be Grateful
After the first week in kindergarten, I am grateful for a job I love SO very much and especially for my adorable new friends. I'm thankful for the extra rest of a holiday weekend after the first days of school. The first week in the classroom is characterized by continual movement and constant conversation. Many of us are stretched to the point of satisfying exhaustion (teachers and students) as we adjust to the ways of the "big" elementary school.
After a holiday weekend, we resume a dizzying pace for our family. So, I want to remember the overwhelming sense of thankfulness (& peace) that I felt during the summer months. Often in the midst of the fall and winter season, I tend to keep my eyes down, focused on tasks and duties in front of me and I tend to forget God's gracious, loving kindness in the daily moments of life. Even this weekend, when my tendency is to be anxious as I consider increasing work and home responsibilities, I'm remembering to thank the Lord for His goodness. May the joy and peace of Christ abound as I give thanks in all circumstances and as I seek to remember His steadfast love in the days ahead. Life is short. Christ promises joy and peace through Him. We are called to a life of gratitude and nothing less.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
After a holiday weekend, we resume a dizzying pace for our family. So, I want to remember the overwhelming sense of thankfulness (& peace) that I felt during the summer months. Often in the midst of the fall and winter season, I tend to keep my eyes down, focused on tasks and duties in front of me and I tend to forget God's gracious, loving kindness in the daily moments of life. Even this weekend, when my tendency is to be anxious as I consider increasing work and home responsibilities, I'm remembering to thank the Lord for His goodness. May the joy and peace of Christ abound as I give thanks in all circumstances and as I seek to remember His steadfast love in the days ahead. Life is short. Christ promises joy and peace through Him. We are called to a life of gratitude and nothing less.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Climb
Summer 2014 is in the books and what a great vacation it was! This year included glorious bookends-- starting with time on a rocky Greek island and wrapping up in the Rocky Mountains. Thankfully, there were plenty of lazy summer days between the two trips. Now it's time to set the alarm and get back to work. Tomorrow morning teachers report to school to begin the climb of the 2014-2015 school year. In some ways, climbing is a good picture of the journey we begin with a new classroom of students.
Just last week, our family completed the annual hike to the peak of Mt. Crested Butte, with enough exposure at 12,000+ elevation to keep those scared of heights far, far away. Every year we debate whether to repeat this exercise, considering some family members have done it a dozen times or more. Typically, as I beg everyone to tackle the mountain trail again, I'm faced with some opposition. "We don't have to do it again, do we?!" "Let's skip this year!" "I've checked that off my bucket list." According to Mom, my brother faces some of the same reluctance from family members. Perhaps it reminds us of our father? As one who has always been very scared of heights, my Dad coached me up that rocky trail year after year...... much like he encouraged me to do difficult things through all of life with a hopeful and positive perspective. After convincing Kyle and a couple of my girls to come along, I got to thinking about why this annual tradition is so important to me and I think Dad's lasting influence has something to do with it. Part of me believes-- if I can conquer that fear, which causes me to panic near the peak, I can face anything the Lord brings into my life during the following year. It is symbolic of the challenging step by step journey we face each day. Over a decade ago, my father selected specific rocks for me to grab on to and stable boulders for my feet. He pushed me to the top. After a number of successful years, I gained confidence and needed less support, but this year I froze with my head spinning while trying to find a rock that didn't move and also being fearful of gaps between rocks. Anxiously, I grabbed onto the largest and most stable surface I could find and literally talked myself up the peak with Kyle right behind me.
So, as I begin another school year, on the anniversary of Dad's tragic accident, I'm especially thankful for the blessing of a father who inspired me to push myself and I'm also grateful for the only stable rock in this world, the LORD God almighty. This year He brings another precious group of students into my life. We will climb to see and experience new things, much like the stunning view from the peak of a mountain. We will tackle the spectacular world of reading and writing and we will have so much fun on this challenging journey together.
"I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised." Psalm 18: 1-3
Just last week, our family completed the annual hike to the peak of Mt. Crested Butte, with enough exposure at 12,000+ elevation to keep those scared of heights far, far away. Every year we debate whether to repeat this exercise, considering some family members have done it a dozen times or more. Typically, as I beg everyone to tackle the mountain trail again, I'm faced with some opposition. "We don't have to do it again, do we?!" "Let's skip this year!" "I've checked that off my bucket list." According to Mom, my brother faces some of the same reluctance from family members. Perhaps it reminds us of our father? As one who has always been very scared of heights, my Dad coached me up that rocky trail year after year...... much like he encouraged me to do difficult things through all of life with a hopeful and positive perspective. After convincing Kyle and a couple of my girls to come along, I got to thinking about why this annual tradition is so important to me and I think Dad's lasting influence has something to do with it. Part of me believes-- if I can conquer that fear, which causes me to panic near the peak, I can face anything the Lord brings into my life during the following year. It is symbolic of the challenging step by step journey we face each day. Over a decade ago, my father selected specific rocks for me to grab on to and stable boulders for my feet. He pushed me to the top. After a number of successful years, I gained confidence and needed less support, but this year I froze with my head spinning while trying to find a rock that didn't move and also being fearful of gaps between rocks. Anxiously, I grabbed onto the largest and most stable surface I could find and literally talked myself up the peak with Kyle right behind me.
So, as I begin another school year, on the anniversary of Dad's tragic accident, I'm especially thankful for the blessing of a father who inspired me to push myself and I'm also grateful for the only stable rock in this world, the LORD God almighty. This year He brings another precious group of students into my life. We will climb to see and experience new things, much like the stunning view from the peak of a mountain. We will tackle the spectacular world of reading and writing and we will have so much fun on this challenging journey together.
"I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised." Psalm 18: 1-3
Monday, July 21, 2014
Two Years-- Fleeting with Significance
Two years seems an insignificant amount of time, a blip on the span of a lifetime, but in others ways it is quite noteworthy. We are approaching the two year anniversary of losing Dad, which seems like yesterday! At the same time, we are increasingly mindful of sending our oldest off to college (or to work) in two more years. Yesterday, I visited with a church member who recently lost her mother. We discussed the unusual and unexpected triggers that come with profound grief. Having two years of perspective, I mentioned that the loss remains the same, but the raw pain of it decreases with gracious time. Recently, I've been thinking a lot about Dad's absence and how our family has changed pretty significantly in the past two years. When he died, he had 1 grandchild in elementary, 4 in middle school and 1 in high school. There were no licensed drivers. College appeared to be in the distant future with haunting and forbidding tuition costs. Two years later, 5 out of 6 grandchildren are in high school and only 1 is left in glorious middle school. Half of the grandkids are driving CARS, one is filling out college applications and another is touring campuses to figure out where she wants to apply. Tuition costs are becoming a reality as both families consider having TWO in college (at the same time) for several years.
I've noticed (and it's amusing to me) that you get the strongest opinions and advice during the first two years of parenting and the last two years (the pre-college years). Every mother with a two year old knows how quickly the time goes and the significant milestones from newborn to age 2: smiling, rolling, sitting, eating, playing, walking and talking. The last two years at home come with equally life-changing (while not as cute!) opportunities: driving, independence, paychecks, bank accounts and peers experimenting with sex and alcohol. The contrast in these seasons is obvious, but the heart of the mother is the same. While touring colleges this weekend, we enjoyed comparing campuses and towns with Katie and hearing about her interests and preferences. I am genuinely excited about the possibilities in her future, similar to the excitement I felt when she took her first steps or her first bite of food. However, that intense desire to keep her safe from sharp corners, choking hazards and stairs is still there as I consider her safety behind the wheel of a car and on a college campus. My favorite thing at Oklahoma State University is the blinking, blue light throughout campus for college students to call the police for help. Oh, I love this feature more than any academic program! As I consider sending my daughters off, knowing independence from home is the next step for them, it is comforting to me that we are never truly independent. The beauty and nature of faith is that we are completely dependent on almighty God for the air we breath, the steps we take and new mercies every day. Thankfully, the Lord has plans for our girls and I can rest in his sovereign care as we seek to be faithful.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
I've noticed (and it's amusing to me) that you get the strongest opinions and advice during the first two years of parenting and the last two years (the pre-college years). Every mother with a two year old knows how quickly the time goes and the significant milestones from newborn to age 2: smiling, rolling, sitting, eating, playing, walking and talking. The last two years at home come with equally life-changing (while not as cute!) opportunities: driving, independence, paychecks, bank accounts and peers experimenting with sex and alcohol. The contrast in these seasons is obvious, but the heart of the mother is the same. While touring colleges this weekend, we enjoyed comparing campuses and towns with Katie and hearing about her interests and preferences. I am genuinely excited about the possibilities in her future, similar to the excitement I felt when she took her first steps or her first bite of food. However, that intense desire to keep her safe from sharp corners, choking hazards and stairs is still there as I consider her safety behind the wheel of a car and on a college campus. My favorite thing at Oklahoma State University is the blinking, blue light throughout campus for college students to call the police for help. Oh, I love this feature more than any academic program! As I consider sending my daughters off, knowing independence from home is the next step for them, it is comforting to me that we are never truly independent. The beauty and nature of faith is that we are completely dependent on almighty God for the air we breath, the steps we take and new mercies every day. Thankfully, the Lord has plans for our girls and I can rest in his sovereign care as we seek to be faithful.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sweet Summertime
Sweet, sweet summertime!!! Summer months are deliciously refreshing and rejuvenating---- a season where I am not ruled by a to-do list. Don't get me wrong..... I'm a huge fan of living with assorted lists. Every day I have 2 to 3 things noted that I would like to accomplish before sunset. Even my classroom (with pages of lesson plans) couldn't function without that 3x8 piece of paper beside the computer listing the top details and priorities for the day. Yet, as we enter the second half of summer, I'm struck that a packing list and a grocery list are the only things hanging over my head. Even my summer goals are complete with time to make new ones.
Sadly, we've passed the mid-point for summer days. I am so thankful for an abundance of time with my girls and extra time inside of my house! Perhaps the biggest downside to working outside the home is the lack of hours invested on the home front. I really do miss it. As the days pass too quickly, it hits me that what makes summer days so sweet are the things that never end up on my list during the school year. ~Plenty of rest. ~The presence of friends and family with nothing pressing or pulling you away. ~Time for reflection ~Down time spent praising and thanking the Lord ~Quality time my girls (also hours by the television) ~Purposeful service and hospitality ~etc.
The Lord is growing in me a desire to prioritize the important things in life and to stop living by the urgent tasks of the day. Who knows where this journey will take me, but with just two more years until Katie graduates, I'm all too aware that my time is well spent on important things! We've entered a season of parenting in the big leagues and I feel more like a farm team parent. Summer subjects have included topics facing our teens (our girls)--- alcohol, sex and online bullying. May the Lord give me wisdom to parent these lovely girls well!! For the remaining summer days, I plan to enjoy every sweet moment with them.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Looks Can Be Deceiving
This week I took a summer hiatus while attending a workshop on literacy in a kindergarten classroom. It was such an encouraging three days with time to reflect on current practices and to be inspired by new ideas, ways to simplify, modify and improve my classroom. Once again, I'm struck by the weighty role of the teacher and how this privilege is not to be taken lightly. We influence hundreds of children daily and this is no small responsibility. By the end of the year, teachers are weary and overwhelmed. Summer professional development provides needed focus and renewed motivation. But I digress from the reason for this blog post.......
Typically summer days include lots of mother/daughter time which is quite rare during the school year. This week the girls have been on their own with meals, use of time and various activities. Yesterday, I arrived home to see Katie baking a homemade bundt cake. She took her little sister to the grocery store, bought lunch for both of them and then the ingredients to make a delicious dessert. While I wouldn't know how to make a cake unless I followed directions on the side of a box, Katie searched for ideas on the internet and then spent hours in the kitchen. After nearly 3 hours of hard work, she emptied the finished product from the bundt pan onto a cookie sheet only to have it fall into a messy chocolate mound, similar to the mud pies I made as a child. As she was frustrated and disappointed, she posted this result on the internet. Two things hit me: this non-baking mother was so proud of her daughter's creation, her creative drive and motivation to learn to bake on her own and her humility-- as she posted something REAL (a seeming failure) online. I was beaming with pride as I watched my child try and "fail" at something of interest to her. But, was it really a failure? Looks can be deceiving!!! It sure didn't taste like a disaster while licking the chocolatey goodness off of my fingers during teacher training today.
So much of what fills my social media feed includes perfect vacation photos (chief offender here!!!!), lovely homecooked breakfasts/dinners and beautiful smiling faces of my loved ones. If I'm being completely honest, nothing discourages me more than seeing a perfect "spread" of food cooked by another mother when it's not even a holiday. My immediate thoughts are: "I hope my family is fine with having cheetos and beef sticks for dinner and then rotten milk in their cereal." While this exaggeration is only partly true, it does capture my heart and how I often feel like a failure on the home front in the area of baking and providing home cooked meals for Kyle and the girls. I'm admitting this as I assume others also make assumptions and comparisons based on images posted. While the Oliphints are a happy family, sharing hundreds of photos, others would never know that before nearly every picture is taken, disaster ensues. "Please leave your sister alone. Just smile." "Not now, Mom!" "I promise it's just a few photos......" Then, wala- bam, beautiful smiles and the seemingly delighted family is captured and shared for loved ones to see. Again, looks are deceiving!
Recently, I caught up with a friend, who moved away, while she was home for a visit. She asked about our year. When I mentioned it was a difficult year, she said, "I had no idea! You're always so positive with everything you post." Of course, I mentioned that I don't want to share my garbage on the internet. People have enough discouraging things to fill their days without reading another person's trash or trouble. However, it made me think: Why am I so quick to post all that is good and beautiful in my life (trips, lovely children, fun outings/dates) and to remain so quiet about my challenges and/or "failures"? Am I causing another mother discouragement with my delightful travel photos similar to my envy of the perfect homemaker with home cooked breakfast images? It's just a thought.
Don't get me wrong. I love social media..... I love taking and posting photos and I love seeing the adventures and joys of my far away friends, while using this online tool. But, the look of something is not the reality! Just last Sunday, Kyle preached at a neighborhood retirement home. The room was filled with men and women in their 90's. Most used walkers or wheel chairs and many lacked the cosmetic look of those of us in younger decades. Yet, these souls in their twilight years (including a retired baptist preacher and a retired seminary professor) belted out the hymns by memory and they shouted "amen" with great faith and wisdom. They don't know the world of social media, have probably never sent a text or even an email in some cases. Their struggles did not include too much time on the internet or posting a version of life that seems too good to be true. They looked old, even weak and tired, but many of them are strong pillars of the faith, saints who have gone before us with lives of suffering and service. Over eighty years ago, they were sweet five year olds entering kindergarten classrooms much different from today, but they had teachers who loved children and who also desired to grow in their profession. These seniors offered me inspiration on a week filled with reflection and encouragement.
Typically summer days include lots of mother/daughter time which is quite rare during the school year. This week the girls have been on their own with meals, use of time and various activities. Yesterday, I arrived home to see Katie baking a homemade bundt cake. She took her little sister to the grocery store, bought lunch for both of them and then the ingredients to make a delicious dessert. While I wouldn't know how to make a cake unless I followed directions on the side of a box, Katie searched for ideas on the internet and then spent hours in the kitchen. After nearly 3 hours of hard work, she emptied the finished product from the bundt pan onto a cookie sheet only to have it fall into a messy chocolate mound, similar to the mud pies I made as a child. As she was frustrated and disappointed, she posted this result on the internet. Two things hit me: this non-baking mother was so proud of her daughter's creation, her creative drive and motivation to learn to bake on her own and her humility-- as she posted something REAL (a seeming failure) online. I was beaming with pride as I watched my child try and "fail" at something of interest to her. But, was it really a failure? Looks can be deceiving!!! It sure didn't taste like a disaster while licking the chocolatey goodness off of my fingers during teacher training today.
So much of what fills my social media feed includes perfect vacation photos (chief offender here!!!!), lovely homecooked breakfasts/dinners and beautiful smiling faces of my loved ones. If I'm being completely honest, nothing discourages me more than seeing a perfect "spread" of food cooked by another mother when it's not even a holiday. My immediate thoughts are: "I hope my family is fine with having cheetos and beef sticks for dinner and then rotten milk in their cereal." While this exaggeration is only partly true, it does capture my heart and how I often feel like a failure on the home front in the area of baking and providing home cooked meals for Kyle and the girls. I'm admitting this as I assume others also make assumptions and comparisons based on images posted. While the Oliphints are a happy family, sharing hundreds of photos, others would never know that before nearly every picture is taken, disaster ensues. "Please leave your sister alone. Just smile." "Not now, Mom!" "I promise it's just a few photos......" Then, wala- bam, beautiful smiles and the seemingly delighted family is captured and shared for loved ones to see. Again, looks are deceiving!
Recently, I caught up with a friend, who moved away, while she was home for a visit. She asked about our year. When I mentioned it was a difficult year, she said, "I had no idea! You're always so positive with everything you post." Of course, I mentioned that I don't want to share my garbage on the internet. People have enough discouraging things to fill their days without reading another person's trash or trouble. However, it made me think: Why am I so quick to post all that is good and beautiful in my life (trips, lovely children, fun outings/dates) and to remain so quiet about my challenges and/or "failures"? Am I causing another mother discouragement with my delightful travel photos similar to my envy of the perfect homemaker with home cooked breakfast images? It's just a thought.
Don't get me wrong. I love social media..... I love taking and posting photos and I love seeing the adventures and joys of my far away friends, while using this online tool. But, the look of something is not the reality! Just last Sunday, Kyle preached at a neighborhood retirement home. The room was filled with men and women in their 90's. Most used walkers or wheel chairs and many lacked the cosmetic look of those of us in younger decades. Yet, these souls in their twilight years (including a retired baptist preacher and a retired seminary professor) belted out the hymns by memory and they shouted "amen" with great faith and wisdom. They don't know the world of social media, have probably never sent a text or even an email in some cases. Their struggles did not include too much time on the internet or posting a version of life that seems too good to be true. They looked old, even weak and tired, but many of them are strong pillars of the faith, saints who have gone before us with lives of suffering and service. Over eighty years ago, they were sweet five year olds entering kindergarten classrooms much different from today, but they had teachers who loved children and who also desired to grow in their profession. These seniors offered me inspiration on a week filled with reflection and encouragement.
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