Note to Self

Dear Lord,

In twenty years, when my house is silent, and the loud, obnoxious, blood-curdling screams no longer make my eyes blink and my blood pressure spontaneously rise, remind me of the joy of noise.

In twenty years, when I am longing to change sweet children in and out of their snowpants, jackets, mittens, scarves, hats, boots, sweatshirts, and wet socks SEVEN TIMES BEFORE NOON, remind me of the magic of snowfall.

In twenty years, when I recall with teary eyes the horror of five 6 year-olds riding their dirt bikes through the snowy front lawn, leaving tread marks that resemble a motocross course, remind me of the thrill of adventure.

In twenty years, when I decorate the Christmas tree without a million interruptions that make a 20-minute project span the course of two days, remind me that a helpful spirit (however incompetent) is still a precious gift.

In twenty years, when no one is asking me to make hot chocolate and then spilling it all over themselves, the carpet I just had cleaned, and their neighbor's new Christmas sweater, remind me that a hot cocoa mustache is cuter than just about anything.

In twenty years, when my house is actually warm because no one leaves the front door wide open every time they come in and out in the 30 degree weather, remind me that there isn't a lot of time to waste when there are snowmen to be built.

But here's the deal, God...I might not be around in twenty years because these kids are making me crazy.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.