Marriage Moats-Little Ones

Published: Sun, 12/23/12

Marriage Moats

Caring for Marriage

We had another Parents' Morning Out today. Thirty four kids from twelve families were lovingly cared for by sixteen mothers and girls. The part that amazes me is that everybody was blessed. People who don't usually get to snuggle with a baby had lots of cuddle time, little kids felt the larger attention of a community and moms and dads got to have three hours of pre Christmas prep time. Two couples actually bolted for their cars after dropping off their kids.

I wonder about the math. How is it possible that all seventy people involved felt blessed? Shouldn't there be a minus somewhere to balance out the pluses? I couldn't find it if it was there. Not that I was looking. But still I marvel at the win win win of it.

It is not to say that the day did not involve effort. There were diapers to change and blocks to pick up, runaways to chase and orange peels to toss. But it felt seamlessly intertwined with three year olds catching bubbles and four year olds zooming on scooters. How can I tether those sweet images in the same sentence with the word "work"?

Marriage is supposed to be a win win win too. I am honed by the experience of being John's wife, and his edges are sanded down by living with me. Our kids win too, in that they have a stable place to grow up. Not perfect, not free of runaways and orange peels, but stable enough to stand.

Reaching across the sidewalk to care for another person's child for a few hours is a great way to remember that children are here to invite all of us to show up.

Not a bad way to get ready for the birth of a babe in a manger.

Photo by Jenny Stein

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