Playing catch, catch-up, and ketchup (?)…
As of late I’ve found myself in catch-up mode.  Being behind on this blog by more than 5 weeks is just one example.  When I set out to catch up this week on the blog (among many other things), three words kept running through my head- catch, catch-up, and ketchup.  So, after a few days of processing, here goes…

We try to catch time, catch our kids being good, and catch moments that will last.  When we feel as if we’ve missed the mark, then we panic and suddenly feel as if we’re playing catch-up.  We try to catch-up on missed time or opportunities, catch-up to their development or how they’ve changed, afraid that if we don’t all will be lost. And what about ketchup…that comes later…wait for it.

I think all parents in one way or another want to play catch well so playing catch-up is not necessary.   Is this even possible or just a dream that lives in Hallmark cards, or shows like Leave It to Beaver, The Wonder Years, and After-school Specials?   I think it’s possible, and although I’m far from mastering the skill to make it happen every time, I have hope that I’ve caught more than I’ve dropped the proverbial ball. 

Every time we read a story to our kids, pray with them, play a game with them, cheer them on, direct/correct/redirect them, discipline with love, and do it all again- we’re catching.  Think about the actual game of catch for a moment- it takes at least two people committed to the game.  There is a give and take happening.  You have to be watching- paying attention.  There is a repeated to almost monotonous level of activity, but somehow that monotony becomes a fun part of the process.   When Matthew and I play catch (yes, I still do that sort of thing) we like to count to see how far we can get before dropping the ball…okay, before I drop the ball.  The point is, the monotony of it becomes part of the fun.  Reading the SAME story every night becomes tedious, but isn’t it worth it to know that you’ve caught a moment with your child?  Monotony suddenly becomes, well…less monotonous.  Parenting is an ongoing game of catch, and that is why we worry, fret, and lose sleep over dropping the ball.

For sake of argument, we have to admit as parents that we do drop the ball every now and then. We’ve all missed opportunities, we’ve all raised our voice and later regretted it, and we’ve all wanted a do-over.  This is when we feel the need to catch-up.  What if I didn’t teach them enough, what if I said the wrong thing?  I think catch-up is slightly futile.  Maybe I’m kidding myself, but I trust that if I’ve missed it, God will give me another opportunity.  This doesn’t mean I have an excuse to be a lazy parent, but it does mean that there is grace for me- even when I’ve missed it- or messed up.  God loves our kids more than we do, so I have to trust that He will make sure that any gaps I’ve left along the way (and there will be lots) are filled in a way only He can do. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

This doesn’t mean I don’t have some slight anxiety at times when it comes to my children.  I’m human and I’m a mom…this means I’ll mess up and then I’ll worry about it.  This is where ketchup comes in- french fries and ketchup. Nothing says “I’m sorry” and “I love you” like sitting across a table with your kid sharing a big plate of salty fried spuds.  And even if your kid (like mine) would rather have ranch dressing, I’ll take mine with a healthy serving of ketchup on the side…and some catch-up time, and a new round of catch. 

This Week’s Announcements:
Ways you can help:
- Sunday, March 30th is a 5th Sunday.  Our nursery volunteers run on a 4 week rotation so this means we will be short-handed next Sunday.  Please contact Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org if you can help fill in for us in nursery-3k preschool
- Sunday, March 30th is also an outreach Sunday for our children in 4k-5th grade.  Our small group leaders will be “off” that day.  Please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org if you would like to know more about this opportunity to serve.

What God is Teaching Us:
Follow the links below to see the past SEVERAL Sunday’s curriculum: 
This link is no longer available

Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
As part of a game, a small group leader passed around a basket of Starburst candy.  One little guy, trying his best to use self-control planned to put his candy in his pocket to save for later.  (He had mentioned earlier that he had to ask his dad if he could have it).  Well…temptation won and the little guy ate the candy.  Realizing that he may be caught by dad at the end of the morning- he ran over to his small group leader, blew in her face, and asked “Can you smell Starburst on my breath?!  Do you think my dad will smell it?”