There have been a lot of specific moments this summer that have revealed to me how far we’ve come.
A few weeks ago, the kids and I went out for pizza at our favorite spot. The kids like it because there’s an old-school gum-ball machine in the vestibule. I like it because I can buy a peaceful meal for three gumballs. This is well-funded bribery, folks. Halfway through this meal, however, and the three quarters were still in my pocket. No sibling shenanigans had required me to showcase them, threatening any offenders that his or her quarter could be lost. I realized: We’ve come so far.
Sam had his annual check-up, and I didn’t bring my mom to help me run interference. I went on my own, three kids in tow, and the only tears that were shed were from the two shots Sam had to take in the thighs. We’ve come so far.
I was mowing the lawn to get ready for Archie’s birthday party, and a face appeared at my elbow. “Let me, Mom!” Archie yelled over the din. So with a clamp around the handle to activate the self-propelled drive system, off he went. Was it perfect? Of course not. But two more tries, and the grass was cut. We’ve come so far.
The terrain is arduous when you journey into parenting, and that’s on a good day. Face the wilderness without a compass, though, and now you’re in danger and your most precious cargo is at risk. When the ER doctor pushed the curtain back and said, “We found a mass, and we’re going to airlift him to Westchester”—the compass broke. My true north died. The wilderness encroached. I never would’ve believed it ended. Only now, in this summer, do I believe there is another place we are destined for.
When Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt to the Red Sea, the waves crashing in front of them and Pharaoh pursuing from behind, what could he say? How could he move them onward, to take that first step onto the dry seabed?
“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
And look how far He’s brought us.
a scribble of jo 