Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Mothers (05/02/05)
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TITLE: Now I Have To Clean The Laundry Room! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kathy Ellis
05/09/05 -
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“Oh, nothing. I don’t need anything. Let’s just get together.”
“I want to get you something. What do you want?”
“Really, nothing,” I sighed.
Later my son called, “Hello Mother! What do you want for Mother’s Day?”
“Oh, nothing. I don’t need anything. Let’s just get together.”
“But I want to get you something. What would you like?”
“Nothing, really, son.”
“May I speak to Robert?” in a serious tone my daughter asked for her daddy to come to the phone. I laughed, “Well, Robert is in the shower right now. May I have him return your call?” My business like tone got a chuckle out of my daughter. She wanted to question her father about what I might like to have for Mother’s Day. As he was unavailable, she continued her barrage of questions to me.
Finally, in humorous surrender, I told her, “well, I really need a new iron.” The silence on the other end of the phone lasted for only about 5 seconds. “A new iron? You want an iron for Mother’s Day?” My daughter was incredulous.
“Actually, I do need a new iron. I am still using the same iron I have used forever and it is not working very well at the moment. It has lost control of all its functions and leaves little puddles all over the ironing board and my clothes. I am contemplating holding a funeral service for it as soon as it puffs its last bit of steam.”
“Well, really, though... what do you want?”
“An iron.”
“Hello Mother! Whatcha doin?” my baby boy called again (for the third time). “By the way, what do you want for Mother’s Day?”
“I told your sister already. You will have to discuss it with her.”
By now, Mother’s Day was becoming rather a silly prospect. Both my children were intent on buying me a gift, when all I wanted was to spend some time with the both of them. I figured with the iron suggestion that they would have gotten the hint.
“Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!” both my kids hugged me as they came that day. “Open your present! Hurry!”
So I unwrapped the gift and was so pleased. They had bought a vanilla scented candle for me. I love candles!
Then they brought out another gift wrapped box. “Open it! Hurry!” Their eyes gleamed!
“Oh my goodness! You got me an iron! Oh! I am so surprised! I love it!” They laughed while I acted as if I never dreamed of receiving such a wonderful practical gift.
“Well you said you wanted one!”
“Now I will have to clean my laundry room! I can’t use a new iron in a cluttered laundry room!”
Laughing at me, both my kids hugged my neck. We sat and talked, spending precious time with each other. Unknowingly, they gave me the only gift I had really wanted... their presence and time. They shared their lives with me. That gift will never wear out or fade away. I will have it forever.
My children are precious to me. The time we spend together is priceless. In the same way, we are precious to our Father in heaven. He loves us in a way that requires nothing from us other than our time in His presence. He wants no gift or offering. Nothing we can give could ever match or repay His sacrifice for us. We don’t have to ‘clean up’ for Him. He receives us just as we are and washes us clean with His blood. He delights in our times with Him, as we should delight ourselves in Him.
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This was lots of fun but brought home the point that time together is what truly matters.
Great job!
Blessings, Lynda