As a mom, I don't often get to experience things that are "just for me." When we eat out it is usually somewhere that fits our budget or appeals to the taste buds of the under-12 crowd. When I shop it is with the goal of getting to the check-out line before the cart is overloaded with "pleeeeease, Mom" items or a sibling argument ensues. Even bathing is usually a race to shower, dress and make my face and hair presentable so I can rush out of the house to deliver someone somewhere. When was the last time I had a bubble bath? Hmm . . .
Well, my family and I recently spent a week at Disney World. Now my kids are not so into the Disney characters but they do love the thrill rides. I, however, prefer the gentle glide through It's a Small World or the predictable frights of the Haunted Mansion. But, forsaking the "just for me" mantra I would have liked to adopt on my vacation, I experienced the Tower of Terror, cajoled my husband into riding Expedition Everest and even waited patiently at the exit while my son rode Space Mountain.
I don't want to imply that I didn't get to do anything I wanted during my week in the "happiest place on earth", I did have my moments. My husband and the kids wanted to see a loud, fiery stunt show. Not interested! I smiled as I escorted them to the door and then ran to the suitcase to dig for my cute shoes (the ones I can't speed-walk across the park in) and refreshed my lipstick to head out shopping. Buses ran from our resort to every part of the Disney property, so I hopped on one and headed for an area filled with cute little shops.
My afternoon was relaxing - no standing in line (except to pay for some overpriced but delicious chocolate). I took my time, stayed in the shade and actually enjoyed window shopping since no one was whining at me to move on to more exciting things.
I had to wait several minutes for a bus back to our resort and when I boarded, I discovered I was the only passenger. As I enjoyed the air conditioning and the silence I thought about how cool it was that this bus was running just for me. Even though I was the only one who needed to go to that particular location, that bus was there for me - just for me! I felt rather pampered, if not important.
I also thought about how many times I have heard a preacher or speaker say "if you were the only sinner in the world, Jesus still would have died for you." Talk about feeling blessed. I was impressed with a bus running just for me, yet the Creator of the universe shed His blood just for me. If I had been the only person on earth God would still have loved me enough to set His plan of perfection in motion. I am that precious to Him.
So many times as moms we don't feel appreciated, and certainly not precious. We are precious to our Savior. He sees our struggles to be everything to everyone and He provides the answers and the energy, the words and wisdom we need to get through the day. Sometimes He even provides some "just for me" time where we can step out of our mom role and simply be His children. When you have a rough day this week, stop and remember how precious you are!
"Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me," Psalm 51:12.