A Week Without Parental Supervision

This Sunday when we walked into church without our parents, the greeter asked, "Who's crazy enough to babysit eleven kids [for six days]?"

Kyla laughed, "We are!"

Yep. Daddy pulled off an amazing surprise for our parents 20th anniversary and flew Mama (and him, obviously) to Hawaii without her knowing it. I mean, she figured it out. Eventually. Anyways, that left eleven of us home! (the term "home alone" does not apply for obvious reasons).

All dressed and curled for church. Ky and Kels are regretfully absent due to Kelsey helping lead worship. 

What a bonding experience this past week has been! Not only was this our longest time alone together, but it was the first time one of us girls was out of the home a lot. You see, Ky got a job working at Grinders, an awesome coffee shop. During her days at work I realized just how much she does when she's home!

During our week, Ky planned a hilarious and creative treasure hunt for us all!

Baylor: "We made some sweet bow and arrows that shoot about forty yards. Katie wouldn't let us shoot them inside the house which was kind of lame. But she let us drill each other outside if we wore paintball masks."

Before the afore mentioned weapons were exiled to the outer regions. 

Overall, our time went smoothly and we had a blast! However, there were "those moments." And, as usual, God used "those moments" to teach me and bring me face to face with my inadequacy and dependence on Him.

As I corrected math, listened to reading and gave out spelling, I realized how responsible parents are for making sure their children are equipped to succeed in the "real world."

As I washed loads and loads of laundry (a little boy managed to wet 12 blankets/comforters and 2 pillows in one night...no joke), cleaned the house, and made sure chores got done, I realized how responsible parents are for for creating an environment that is cared for and inviting.

As I cooked dinner (yes, I did cook and did not burn anything...which shouldn't be that surprising but it is), worked-out and made sure the kiddos played outside, it dawned on me that parents are, in part, responsible for the health of their children.

As I solved squabbles, tried to fill "love tanks" and meted out punishments and rewards, I realized how responsible parents are for the emotional stability of their children.

As I drove to music lessons, practiced singing with the youngers, and watched the baby during "art class" I realized how responsible parents are for the overall development of their children.

On the 5th day, it hit me. The weight of responsibility crashed down like a wave.

I can't do this LORD! There is so much to do, so much I am responsible for, so many needs to be met. How can I make sure everyone feels loved? I am not patient enough for this. I cannot fill Mother's shoes for one week...how has she done it for 18 years?

"You're right, Katie. You can't do it. You are too impatient--too impulsive. You could never ensure that any child will do well in business. You can never guarantee any child vibrant health. Even with all your effort, you could never fill a child's emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs.

But I can.

Just be a vessel I can use. Follow where I lead. These children are mine and I am responsible for their souls."

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Like every other aspect in life, ALL we have to give is never enough. But Jesus Christ is more than enough! All we have to do is be attentive to His voice. He will shoulder the responsibility of the rest.

Circus time! The show WILL go on!!!

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Ke Akua pu a hui hou!

Kathryn Joy



**This post was written about two weeks ago.