Abundant Blessings Homestead

My soapbox entry... :)

Yesterday, when my beloved came home from work and in one look at his sweet face, I knew something was wrong. A co-worker of his, Madonna, had lost her husband this past Saturday. He was so upset by this. Madonna has been so thoughtful in our trials this year. She, too, miscarried a babe and was so understanding to both of us in the time afterwards. She has asked most every day since my accident with Gentle how I am doing. Each time I go into Home Depot, she takes time to talk with me and our children. What a sweet person.

Her husband was working in his shop along with his son, Madonna was at work. He told his son that he felt dizzy and needed to sit down. Within moments, he told his son everything was going black. He shook a bit and died. Right there, right then.

He was only 56 years old. No health problems. No recent issues. Nothing....and now he is gone.

We went to the viewing yesterday. It was a bit too "close" for me as he looked alot like my Honey. We talked with Madonna. She told us to hold each other close. She commented on us all coming...saying "you do travel in a pack, don't you?" She thought is was wonderful that we do everything together.

I spent last night thinking of her...and how she must be feeling. I cannot imagine, of course, but the mere thought of losing my Honey makes me cry every time. I pray that we grow very old together. I just cannot fathom the feeling of losing your beloved....

So this has made me think of many things. Things that annoy me. Things that upset me. Things that take my time. Things that I give my time to.

And I have finally come to the conclusion that as long as I have my Honey's approval, I really don't care what others think. I've always thought that...but, now it just seems more cemented.

I don't care if others think we have too many children. I don't care if others think we are over protective. I don't care if others think we shouldn't have more children. I don't care if others think I am overwhelmed. I don't care if others think....ANYTHING.

We are a family. Our opinions are the only ones that matter. Not that we are holier than thou....not that at all. But, for too long, I have wasted too much time being upset, concerned or worried about others' opinions. Well, no more. There is not enough time in the day to waste. And wasting is exactly what it is. I know my husband loves and cherishes me, I know my children are happy, healthy and loved. What more do I need to know?

Yes, we want more children. If the Lord so chose to bless us again, we would be so very happy. Would it mean more "work"? Of course. But it would also mean more love. One more babe to cherish.

Yes, we will continue to home educate our children. They are intelligent, inquisitive and bright. I would put their education against any other. They will shine. They are well rounded, fun to be with children.

Yes, we will continue to farm. We have grand plans for our future. And that includes farm animals. The dreams that the Lord placed in our hearts...even before we met...are there for a reason.

Yes, we will continue to be "over-protective" of our children. As if there is truly such a thing. Much evil lurks outside these walls. It's our job to protect and nurture our babes..and train them up. They will face those evils soon enough, why should we allow them in while they are still young and impressionable?

There are more things....these are just the highlights that have been on my mind. Coupled with the trials we have walked through this year, I see no reason to give any further time to these things. Life is truly too short to be wasted. My babes will be grown and on their own way too soon. I will delight in them now...and then too...but I want to slow time down, not speed it up.

So, if I hear an opinion that I don't care for, my response will most likely be one of "Ah...that's nice." I will no longer take it inside of me and wonder if there is validity to it. I will trust in my Honey who tells me that I am a good wife and Mama. My children tell me so as well....so I must be doing something right.

That's all I need to know. The opinions of the people in this home are the only ones that matter to me.

While I'm thinking of it...hug your babes and hug your Honey. Cause you just truly never know when it will be your last opportunity. Life is too short to waste on being upset or angry. Let the little things go. Make your stand on the things that matter. And leave it at that.

There's my soapbox entry for today...

LOVE THIS!!

{ 05:17, Tuesday, September 11, 2007 } { Posted by Cathy }

Laurie,
What a GREAT blog entry. Proud of you for knowing what REALLY matter in life. Sure makes life all the more sweeter!!
Love ya friend,
Cathy

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{ 11:07, Tuesday, September 11, 2007 } { Posted by chimicole }

I agree with EVERYTHING you just said....
God bless!

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{ 03:27, Wednesday, September 12, 2007 } { Posted by GrandmaRosie }

Beautifully said. I could not agree more.

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{ 07:51, Wednesday, September 12, 2007 } { Posted by Anonymous }

What a beautiful post Laurie. Thanks for sharing your inspiring words. You and Toby are wonderful examples to your children!

Amen

{ 07:37, Friday, September 14, 2007 } { Posted by Sara }

I too couldn't have agreed more with you!

Sara

Yes!!!!!!!!

{ 06:39, Monday, September 24, 2007 } { Posted by quiverfullacres }

Get up there and preach it girl. I loved this entry! It is exactly how I feel! May the Lord bless you with the desires of your heart!