By Betty Predmore

As I tackled my household chores the other day, I found myself humming a little tune. I smiled as memories rushed into my mind…memories of my mother, swinging her grandchildren around in a dance, while singing “Dance with me Henry…..okay baby!” This was a silly little song, but one that came from the memories of her childhood. Sharing this with my children gave them memories of their own. As I reflected a while longer, the thought came to me that life is made up of a series of those small little memories and experiences, and that life is a dance. Then came the questions. (Those who know me know that the questions always come). What are the small little memories that I am creating for my children? Who am I dancing with? When my children look back on their childhood, what will they think of me? Will they remember me as “Mamma Who Showed the Love of Christ”, “Mamma Who Smiled and Laughed”, or “Gentle & Kind Mamma”? Or will I be remembered as “Busy Mamma”, “Stressed Out Mamma”, or “Mamma With No Joy”? Will they have memories of silly dances and secret giggles, or will their childhood be remembered as something less? 1Thessalonian 5:16 simply states “Rejoice always”. In John 15:11, Jesus says “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Is the joy evident in me, especially to my children? My honest answer…some days “YES”, some days “No”. But the good news is that I can continue to work in this area, and God will be there as my guide. Galatians 5:22 tells us about the fruits of the spirit…”love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”. I CAN DO THIS!! YOU can do this! We all struggle at times, we all feel burdens and stresses. But the great truth is that we have a MIGHTY and AWESOME God who will carry those burdens upon HIS shoulders so that we might find rest. And with rest comes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness. As I dance through this life of mine, I want Jesus as my partner. I would much rather sway to and fro in His safe and loving arms than to dance to my own beat, alone and afraid. I would much rather demonstrate the love of Christ to my children, than leave them to find Him on their own. I would much rather be remembered as “Mamma Who Loved Jesus and ME!”