Behind the Scenes

I recently saw a good deal on kids’ shoes at Costco (because Jim and I tend to buy 75% of everything we own there!), and after taking some time choosing the right sizes and colors, I tossed four pairs into my cart. I smiled to myself at the time, imagining how excited the kids would be with their new shoes. When the time came for the surprise gift, most of the kids were elated.  But one of the kids was unimpressed, declining even to try them on. The child didn’t like the style, the color, or anything else about the shoes. The child shrugged and walked away from the gift.

I’ve thought about this incident a lot, because it plays out frequently…when I spend a lot of time on a meal and the kids literally spit it out…when I work hard on planning an outing that then ultimately is greeted with a less-than-enthusiastic response.  But the thing is, it’s also a familiar situation because it’s something I vividly remember doing to MY mom.  I remember receiving her gifts half-heartedly as a child.  I can see now that I just didn’t appreciate all the love and energy that went into them. 

My mom’s efforts and gifts often went unnoticed.   All those shoes she bought. All those nights of tears and prayers.  All the planning and preparation even for my own wedding that I just didn’t fully comprehend.  Behind the scenes sacrifices. Unappreciated, but not unneeded. It’s the nature of childhood to not see past the end of your own little nose.  But now that I’m grown, I’m floored by the daily sacrifices my mom laid down to build the foundation of my childhood. Brick by brick she lovingly made my lunches, bought my clothes, made those doctor appointments, brought me to soccer practices and games, wrapped those presents and wrote those cards, set up all those countless educational experiences and lessons and trips…everything I took for granted and didn’t fully comprehend or value. She did them anyway, with love, and with no expectation of reward. I wish I could go back in time and bonk myself on the head to get me to tell her a hearty thank you. But since I can’t, I’ll do it now: thank you, Mom. For your daily devotion to the behind the scenes work.  For forgiving my shortsightenedness and immaturity, for developing my dreams.  For your faithfulness and devotion to your family.  I’m so thankful for your patient and loving example, and I hope I can do half as well with my kids – even when they don’t want new shoes.   I love you, Mom.  And for the record – now I think you’re the best shopper around!