The sound of their voices. My four children. I will never tire of the endless crescendo of their voices.

I am blessed beyond measure. My cup overflows.

The comradery. The laughter. The sparring.

27, 22, 18, 14.

My tears flow for the joy of being their mother.

I am never happier then when we are all together. Doesn’t every mother feel that way?

But I cannot keep them here, forever.

A wedding in September. Newlyweds headed for Seattle. This may be the last Mother’s Day we all spend together for a while.

The Lord tells me live in the fullness of this day. Don’t miss the grace-filled moments of this day. Delight in the irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind moments happening right now─today.

My mind turns quickly from the future back to the present!

I am ordered out of the kitchen. Breakfast won’t be served in bed I am told, but in the kitchen, instead, in a little while. We have to accommodate Grandpa, so everyone piling into the bedroom is NOT a good idea.

I retreat to my room and close the door, but all I hear are muffled voices.

I open the door so I can hear the banter.

“Are these cooked?” Claire says. “You ruined it now. You ruined it now!” she reiterates in a jesting voice. “Just put the lid on!”

I hear more ordering. “Go take a shower, now!” she says to Elizabeth.

I hear the water running. Suddenly, feet pound the hall.

“You literally have ten minutes!” Claire yells through the bathroom door to Elizabeth. “Ten minutes before breakfast is served!”

My hubby comes in the bedroom and stoops to give me kiss. “Happy Mother’s Day!” he says sweetly. And then he comments, “Too noisy!”

Ha! I laugh to myself. If he only knew what I was writing!  He tries to close the door.

“Leave that open, please,” I say.

Eric yells in decibels intended for Grandpa’s hard of hearing ears alone, “If you eat fast (referring to his bran cereal), there’s good food coming – eggs, sausage, and crepes!

Muffled voices become a little more distinct. “I thought you were going to help!” Eric says to Claire. “If you want to help, do the dishes!”

Suddenly, Anna pipes up, “This is my plate. I’m sitting here.”

“I always sit there on holidays,” Claire says. More discussion ensues…

Then Claire announces, “Okay, Mom, you can come in now!”

I arrive on the scene wearing pearls and my mother’s huge silver earrings─ one of the few pieces of jewelry I have of hers. In honor of Grandma Reid and the day, I strike a pose. “Ta da!” I say.

I sit in my usual seat across from Grandpa and ask if he remembers Grandma’s earrings. He says, no.

During the meal the kids continue sparring, and in-between their teasing, I receive the blessings they have lavished on me─a lovely meal, heartfelt presents, and handmade cards graced with  scriptures I need to hear.

And what do I hear? What is the theme of the day?

Love. Unconditional love.

I don’t deserve it. Despite all my failings, they love me. They are God’s grace in my life─His unconditional love poured over my soul.

And I love them right back, unconditionally.

I wish everything could stay the same, but do I really?

No.

I embrace the changes that are to come and ask that the Lord use my children to glorify Himself.

I lift them up.

My grace-filled, live-in-the-day cup is full.