So we all know that parenting is a lot of work. It takes all your time and energy some days, and when you decide that you are going to sign up for something, take on a project or help with extracurriculars, it will take time away from parenting your beautiful littles.
Who else is with me when I say I have bitten off more than I can chew!!!
Ok, so I am notorious for this. I overdo myself and say yes when in reality I should say no or … I would but, kids…. Lol. But I don’t.
Why???? Because I want my children to see that we are all here to help one another. That saying yes even though it is hard at times, is so that we can help when there’s a need, do something kind, or just be there for someone who could use a hand to hold or a ear to listen.
Do we have time?? Not usually, but we MAKE time.
My most recent incident of taking on more than I can chew – the Community Garden project. This winter I answered a call to help get a community garden started in the community where my children go to school and we attend church.
I was naive in the fact that I thought it would be all just getting a garden started… the physical part. I thought .. I can plant seeds, and help them grow. I did not think about the financial ongoing part, the gathering people together part, or the impact it would have on my own garden and home upkeep.
All together I thought I would plant a garden … the end.
I have learned in the last few months that it is a lot of work to put this together! This has completely taken over my brain at times, I have felt completely incompetent at times, and at times I felt that I couldn’t make it happen.
On the amazing positive side, I have shown my children the hard work that goes into making a community garden. A garden that when it starts producing will help feed families in our community, that would not have had the opportunity before this to afford fresh produce.
They have seen me bring members of the community together for one common goal. This impact that the community garden has had on my childrens lives so far, has been so amazing. They talk about the community garden with love, and are so excited to help others. They have heard us talk about how this is Gods work, and how we are following John 21:17- when Jesus said “Feed my sheep”.
That’s why I say yes to things when I know I should probably say no. I want my children to see the good in projects like the community garden, that will positively impact the people around us. That when there is a problem such as hunger/ lack of funds for fresh produce, we can and will take that step to help and to make a difference. That we do not sit back and talk about the issue, we take action. We want them to have that instilled in their hearts so when they are grown they will be action takers in their lives and communities. They will be problem solvers.
As the project goes on I can see more and more of the impact on my kids. They cheer on the plants… yes you read that right.. They talk and sometimes sing to the plants.. haha kids crack me up. But as I watch them in the garden being so excited about the things they see, and comment on what is doing well and what we need to do next. The more I feel this is the right thing for us at this time.
Do you ever just feel at times this contentment in your heart and just know that you are on the right path? I do and I don’t know whether it is just joy in watching my children, a sign from above, or maybe just happiness in my heart, but it is one of the most amazing feelings I have ever felt. Seeing them taking time to notice all the little sprouts makes me think that they are understanding this action that I have taken on. This community garden is to feed the people, the ones that are in most need of help, the ones that are overlooked.
My husband and I take on things that we want our children to see us be a part of. We live by the knowledge that more is caught than taught, and if we want them to become amazing members of society, we need to show them that path. We need to show them that they can do hard things.
The community garden is a blessing for me and my family. It has helped me to remember that we are here to help others, give generously, and to find immense joy in this journey of life. I will get to leave this amazing project in the minds and hearts of my children.
Psalm 32:8-“ The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
So go and bite off more than you can chew. Find that project or event where you can show your children that when you do something to help others, or do something to be kind, you can find that immense joy in your life. Show them how to be a great part of society whether they do something that is seen or unseen to help. Show them they can be a great part of the answer to hard questions in their community.
Explain it to them if you can, or just let them watch you. Be a great role model in their eyes.
You got this!!
-Kristy
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