God is the Master Creator and we look and act a bit like Him when we create something.
My friend Kathy Vick writes about “creating islands” for our family in Lessons In Buoyancy –Letting Go of the Perfect Proverbs 31 Woman (I just accidentally typed: “. . .the Proverbs 32 Woman” – oh, brother – she must be really perfect!!)
Our kids and husbands need a soft place to land when their days deal them dirt and scrapes. Often it’s the mom who can create this cushion of unconditional love to comfort and kiss away the hurt. We can’t change the world they enter at the beginning of the day, but we can create the world they need at the end of their day. I wonder if we realize how valuable we are in making that place?
Proverbs 31:20 ~ “She opens her arms . . .she extends her hands. . .” Sounds like a comforting place to be.
Where is the safe island for your family? What could you do to create that place they won’t forget when they move far from home? It’s a fun challenge – ask the Creator for some ideas (and pass them along when you get them.)
It may actually be your kitchen island. We don’t have one yet (but we will someday in this ongoing remodel!) and in the meantime, the drop-leaf mahogany table I was raised around is acting as the temporary island. I’ve placed a chair nearby, but I really need two so that I can sit alongside my youngest when she wants to show me in minute detail on paper exactly how her soccer coach placed her during her practice. (“Mom, are you looking?!”) Patience (and eye contact) is needed when these “island opportunities” come. She won’t remember if dinner finished on time; she will remember the comfort and solace of mom paying her much-needed attention.
Kathy writes: “The gathering places of our youth were shelters that shut out the world for brief moments that allowed us to refuel and reconnect with our families, reminding us that we were a part of something greater – and we are not alone.” That’s the best part – “we are not alone.” Have some fun making that island just what you and your family needs today.
Lord,
Thank You for being my shelter, my island of refuge. Give me creativity and joy in creating that safe island for my family. Amen.
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