He was known as ‘top shelf Chris’ from a very young age. Hockey was his thing, and his crazy accurate shot gave him this nickname. Attending his games (and our other son Jack) was quite the event. My arms were always full of babies or pregnant, car seats, toddlers, diaper bags, snacks, warm clothing, mini sticks, and pucks. To make it to a game with no one in tears, fed, and happy to be in a cold arena again was always a victory! A funny thing kept happening at the games. Chris would score, and guess where I would be? In the bathroom with one of the kids. Eventually, it became a thing. Parents would notice the game was not going well and look to me and say, “I think you need to head to the bathroom so Chris can score!” Sure enough, more times than I can count, he would score! It seemed more fruitful for the team to have mom walk away momentarily! It was a good running joke! Don’t get me wrong here, I loved to see him play and, of course, score and that I did for sure over the years. Watching my kids in anything has always been amazing and worth every effort to be present. Not sure why lately, but this memory had my mind whirling with the reality that sometimes, as a mom, we need to be willing to do something similar with our kids/families; take a moment, leave some space, walk away, get refreshed and return ready! Through the years, I have done that in many ways, whether it be taking time in my room alone just to rest and be quiet, going on a walk, meeting someone for coffee or dinner, going away for a weekend with friends or with my husband, going to a conference, visiting my sister so I can take a moment while the cousins play and more. Yes, I am a mom and have five amazing kids! I am also a wife, friend and daughter that needs to be aware of how to refuel, so I am a more equipped woman to live out my God-given roles. I won’t witness every single moment in the lives of my kids, just like the goals I missed during the years of hockey, but I had other responsibilities to be aware of at the moment and had to be willing to let it go! It is not always easy to do but important to be in tune with what is required of you! Most importantly, is this found in Micah 6:8,

 

He has told you, O man, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God?

 

When I am in the Word, listening to what God is saying, I am more capable in all areas of being who God has created me to be. One of my favourite songs over the past months is by Pat Barrett from his album Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. 

How have you been able to refresh yourself and be more in tune with God and your family? It takes accountability in your life, solid friends and community to walk with you! I couldn’t do it alone, and neither can you!