Eighteen years ago when I became a wife, I also became a stepmother to four boys who were instantly sons of my heart if not my flesh. I walked into that role with my eyes wide open, but nothing could have prepared me for what lay ahead. I’m glad I made that commitment – both to Steve and to his sons.
The past couple of days have been spent with Brad, Michelle, and baby Tyler in Florida. What a precious little grandson! On our first meeting, he came to me with the trust of one who has always been held in gentle, loving arms, and within minutes he was snuggled close, asleep on my shoulder. Nothing else in the world could feel as sweet.
While we were there, we enjoyed Brad’s thirtieth birthday. The time we get to spend together is rare since we live more than 2,000 miles apart. “Rare” as in “precious.”
One lesson I’ve had to learn is that there can be nothing possessive about a stepmother’s love. You give as much as can be accepted without strings attached and without expectations, and you receive what can be returned – hopefully with gratitude and understanding. You comprehend better than most the analogy of happiness being like a butterfly which can never be grasped, but which may alight on an open, patient palm. The lesson doesn’t come easy, and sometimes has to be re-taught.
Still, on this first day of a new year, I have an easier task than many others who love Brad, Michelle, and Tyler, for they are preparing to answer a call to serve with the Extreme Nazarene organization in Peru ( http://www.extremenazarene.org/images/peru/index.htm ). Several miracles will need to happen in the coming weeks, including selling their home and automobiles and raising financial support for their three-year term.
Steve and I have prayed that God will open or close doors as He sees best. Having lost one son, “losing” another to the mission field for three years is a sacrifice for Steve, but also a joy. All of us have feelings of caution and concern, especially Brad’s brothers.
How much harder would it be for me if I had a lifetime of memories with Brad? If we lived close enough to be a part of their family’s daily lives? If I had watched little Tyler being born, and memorized each phase of his growth thus far? If we worshipped together each week and observed cherished traditions for every holiday?
That's where Michelle's family is tonight. And yet, they too pray that God's will be done. If our situation comes to mind, would you join us?
The past couple of days have been spent with Brad, Michelle, and baby Tyler in Florida. What a precious little grandson! On our first meeting, he came to me with the trust of one who has always been held in gentle, loving arms, and within minutes he was snuggled close, asleep on my shoulder. Nothing else in the world could feel as sweet.
While we were there, we enjoyed Brad’s thirtieth birthday. The time we get to spend together is rare since we live more than 2,000 miles apart. “Rare” as in “precious.”
One lesson I’ve had to learn is that there can be nothing possessive about a stepmother’s love. You give as much as can be accepted without strings attached and without expectations, and you receive what can be returned – hopefully with gratitude and understanding. You comprehend better than most the analogy of happiness being like a butterfly which can never be grasped, but which may alight on an open, patient palm. The lesson doesn’t come easy, and sometimes has to be re-taught.
Still, on this first day of a new year, I have an easier task than many others who love Brad, Michelle, and Tyler, for they are preparing to answer a call to serve with the Extreme Nazarene organization in Peru ( http://www.extremenazarene.org/images/peru/index.htm ). Several miracles will need to happen in the coming weeks, including selling their home and automobiles and raising financial support for their three-year term.
Steve and I have prayed that God will open or close doors as He sees best. Having lost one son, “losing” another to the mission field for three years is a sacrifice for Steve, but also a joy. All of us have feelings of caution and concern, especially Brad’s brothers.
How much harder would it be for me if I had a lifetime of memories with Brad? If we lived close enough to be a part of their family’s daily lives? If I had watched little Tyler being born, and memorized each phase of his growth thus far? If we worshipped together each week and observed cherished traditions for every holiday?
That's where Michelle's family is tonight. And yet, they too pray that God's will be done. If our situation comes to mind, would you join us?
4 comments:
Beautiful thoughts, Jackie! Some of your thoughts describe exactly how I feel as a "step-grandmother." I will be praying for all of you, that God's will will be done.
You brought tears to my eyes...thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Hi Jackie!
Your beautiful words expressed the feelings of my heart perfectly. I am so glad you had to opportunity to spend a couple of days in Florida - and meet our most wonderful and special little grandson. Michelle and I talked about you and your mother's heart the day after you left. I want you to know that you impress both of us. Your love for your sons - all of them - is so obvious and so genuine. Your role in Brad's life helped form him into the excellent husband he is to my daughter - and I am so very grateful. I told Michelle that I think you and I could be very good friends.
It is good to know we are praying "in tandem" for their future plans.
http://robin-robinznest.blogspot.com/
Your words came straight from your loving, kind heart. They were beautiful.
I pray for this precious family and for you and Bro. Steve
God is in control!
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