"Inn Keeper," I see you!

2 Samuel 21:10 Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds touch them by day or the wild animals by night.

I don’t remember anyone telling me as a mother I would never regain a good night’s rest.  I was warned about the early months, that made sense, occasional interruptions in adolescence were expected. Then the teenage years came rushing in like a leathered, barley in the mouth cowboy, gun drawn and “Howdy mam” on his lips.

Who is this child? Different, yet the same.  A little rougher around the edges, sweetness submerged under the dirt of what was once called communication.  These lovely new “cowboys” that have come to settle on our prairie are demanding.  More food, more money, more friends.                                                             No rest for the weary…                                               

They sleep in the light of day, and trail blaze all night long.

No rest for the weary…

Loud music fills their quarters, with barely a place to set their feet.

No rest for the weary…

Denim laid out disguising the carpet that once had residence.

No rest for the weary…

Oh, weary inn keeper, I see you! I am you. There is no law book that directs our steps on the best way to host our new companion. It is uncharted territory, saddle up, grab the reigns and hold on for the ride.

No, my children aren’t cowboys, we live in a suburb in Texas and honestly, the thought of dirt, muck and chores like a cowboy would be repulsive to each of them. But man, often it feels as if I am living with complete strangers.

I thought I knew you; don’t I know you? These years are rough, and can be exhausting, you long to go back to simpler times when lack of sleep was your biggest concern. But here we are saddled up, rope tying us to a beast we didn’t prepare for. Then I am reminded, I am not alone. I am not the first mother to take this ride, there are others who have gone before me.

In the story in 2 Samuel 21  Rizpah, a mother of two boys who have been taken from her took a sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down.

The harvest would have lasted about 6 months, and Rizpah sat vigil. Rizpah rested despite what was happening, Rizpah found peace and rest in the presence of the Lord. Her determination, her resilience gives me courage and hope that some days in the midst of the teenage years, rest and vigilant prayer are enough. Gods purpose for your children will be evident in time. For now, rest your weary head under the hope that God loved them first. Let His love be the rope that binds you and prepares you for the ride.

Until next time, 

Courtney