Nancy Tart: Writing for Life

What This Mother Wanted

TimeWarp From May 12, 2024

Becky returned to us for the summer (or at least a bit of it) on Saturday.  Louis brought her home from the airport in the wee hours when everyone else was sleeping.  We had work that ended at 2pm.  It was a busy but fulfilling day.  Sometimes, I feel like Saturday is two days; Day 1 is from wake up to work finishing and Day 2 is from dance party drive home to whatever evening adventure awaits us. 

On the way home from church, (Mother’s Day) Louis asks, “so what do you really want to do for Mother’s Day?”  

Well, I’d already snagged the entire family to the church gym to take advantage of their photo op prop before the first service (boys were attending, I was serving, the girls were attending one service and serving the other) – that was a huge want.  The last picture of all of us together had baby Theadora.  This one has all 10 Tarts! 

I wanted to go out to the property (Louis had injured his back, so we had been absent there for a couple of weeks) but Louis wasn’t even close to 75% with his back.  I didn’t want him to hurt himself again doing something simple because he is the kind of guy who will be like, “I’m fine,” and go with gusto. (No, please don’t hurt yourself again!) 

I didn’t want to sit at some eatery for a couple hours when we had better food at home. (Louis’ food is hands down the best whenever he makes anything – I married a magical chef and Becky has his culinary talent as well.)

I wanted to go to church.  Done.

I wanted that picture.  Done.

I wanted everyone together.  Done.

I was loving the full house even though that meant we had two full cars. 

What did I want? (laugh if you want, but I’m really this simple)

I wanted to go home, turn on Hillsong, Sonic Flood, and Morningstar, cook in the kitchen with whomever wanted to be in there, hear my children sing along, laugh with each other, and have fun, eat good, wholesome food, play the new game I found, do something outside, and be together.  I love my family and wanted to enjoy it. 

Do you ever feel like being around people you love is all you want?  I sure do.  Becky had just come back from Pensacola for the brief summer.  There was a Becky-shaped hole in my heart that only seeing her beautiful smile and feeling her vibrant presence can cure.  I had missed her so deeply.  (I love phone calls and texts and such, but I’m so much more a in-person person – dorky, but that’s me.)  Louis’ hours had been clashing with mine lately (maybe we both work a little much right now).  Christina had been so busy.  Kimberly had started her college, work, practice, serve schedule which is hectic and amazing.  What Christina did with Civil Air Patrol, Kimberly has with Gymnastics.  They pour themselves into what they do.  I am so proud of them.  I miss them though.  Jaquline was starting to work.  Her planner self is so inspiring, she has a daily plan, weekly plan, and plans for years.  I am excited to see her come alive and grow into these big dreams.  I know I will miss her.  

I just wanted to spend quality time with those I love.  Family.  Friends. 

I know you’re thinking: “That’s all?”

Yes.  That is my goal.  To spend as much time with those I love.  To pour myself into them.  To soak up what they pour out.  To encourage, to have fun with, to show love, to be there. 

We had an amazing day.  It was a full, wonderful weekend with my family. 

That is what this woman wanted.

Sometimes I think the world around us makes us feel like we have to be busy.  We have to do.  Where did you go?  At what restaurant did you eat?  What expensive park did you visit? 

If that’s your fun – by all means, enjoy it!  (I love traveling – with family)

But it’s also perfectly fine to just be.  Be present.  Enjoy those around you and the place you are in.  Fill your temporary home with laughter and good memories.  This is the first “real” (not-a-trailer) house we’ve lived in – we are about to leave it for a grand adventure!  I would like the kiddos to remember happy memories here.  For me, it’s that I feel like I’m always trying to make sure ends meet – by nature, I want to be very controlling, but I’ve had to learn to give that to God.  It’s a daily challenge.  I choose to slow down, pause the rushing around, even if that’s just Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, and enjoy this wonderful life I have. 

Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me to slow down and be present.  I am so thankful for all You’ve gifted us!  Thank you for laughter.  Thank you for safety.  Thank you for life!

Be present.  (Even if that’s cranking up “ancient tunes” and singing along in your sardine-packed vehicle so everyone is smiling and laughing.)  Hope you enjoy today!

Thank you for reading,

Type at you later!

~Nancy Tart