Years ago, as a young mom with three little kids in tow, I remember visiting my mother-in-law’s home for the weekend — a too infrequent delight for our entire family. After we sat down for breakfast and the always abundant spread of eggs, bacon, toast, muffins, and more, Mom A excused herself from the table, went to the pantry, and promptly placed a fresh box of Nabisco Pinwheels smack-dab in the middle of our meal. Yes, Pinwheels. Yes, breakfast. You know the ones: those old fashioned, marshmallow cream, mini-Bundt cake looking cookies, totally doused in sugar, covered in oh-so-unhealthy chocolate.
As a young mom committed to raising my kids in the way they should go, I couldn’t believe it. Pinwheels… really?! How could my mother-in-law, who’s supposedly older and wiser and attempting to help us in this prudent, persevering, raising-of-kids process, even think of putting such a sugar fest right in front of my boys? But having one of those indignant, self-righteous moments that every unknowingly immature, growing parent must confront now and then, I remained silent, said nothing, while quietly steaming inside that my kids were about to be ruined for life.
Funny. I’d like that moment back right now.
I stand amazed — and humbled — at how much we sometimes don’t know… and don’t know we don’t know…
My righteous indignation was undoubtedly well-founded, as of course, each of us wants to contribute positively to the lives of others; of course, we want to be healthy; and of course, as young parents we’re often feel we’re doing the very best we can. But what I couldn’t grasp at the time was how the offering of an unexpected, sincere treat did not impede any progress. In fact, eating those sweet Pinwheels may have been healthier in an emotional sense — noting how we were pausing to enjoy something we typically don’t… how we were intentionally enjoying something good.
My mother-in-law modeled many things well for our family. Among them…
… how to eat a blueberry bagel…
… how to semi-subtly tap in a puzzle piece, so that everyone would know you found exactly the right piece…
… how going to church every Sunday is less important than an authentic relationship with Jesus…
… how to be intentional with boys…
… how to discern really good barbecue…
… how to be consistent in honoring your spouse…
… how to be generous…
… how to be faithful…
… how to love a child other than your own…
… and how and when to intentionally enjoy a treat — how to savor something good.
After only a short stay in the hospital, Mom A passed away somewhat suddenly this past week. She had lived a good life, and valiantly modeling her faith for us once more, she was ready to go — embracing both what’s beautiful and next. I will miss her dearly. I will also be serving Pinwheels soon for breakfast.
Respectfully… lovingly… with both a wink and a tear…
AR
Beautiful, Ann. Tears in my eyes……she is beholding the Lamb of God right now.
Love and hugs to you……and Josh!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute, Ann. My heart goes out to Mark, you and your family at this time. You are blessed.
A lovely tribute that I think she would love.
very well put my friend..it’s the lil things in life that matter..she understood that evidently and how precious her homecoming must have been..your boys will have the pinwheel tradition to carry on proudly..love you sis..