Eric and Lisa

I went to the BMV this morning to renew our license plates, and when I walked in, there was only one chair to sit in. I had Ian with me, so I just set his carseat in front of me and rocked him while he played with one of his toys. There was a couple sitting to my left that were immediately enthralled with him, and commented over and over how healthy and happy he looked. When I began to ask them about themselves, they shared that they had seven kids between 2 and 23 years old! The mother remarked how important it is for at least one parent to be heavily involved in a young baby's life -- that it makes such a remarkable difference in their emotional development. I told her how I tutor freelance, and that even that little bit of time outside the home is difficult to work around Ian and his needs (especially since I'm nursing him). She encouraged me to continue to do what's best for my son, even if it's harder for me. I knew that, but I really needed to hear it from someone else. Sometimes I feel this pressure to be providing more for my family monetarily (especially when things are really tight), but in reality, the best thing I can do for both my husband and my son is to be a good wife and mother. If I feel that that entails keeping the current situation as it is, then that's what I should do.

About this time, Ian started fussing because it was time for his nap. The couple next to me whispered to each other, then the mother leaned over and offered me her number slip, which was just about to be called. "Here, switch me," she said. "Your little boy is more important than me being able to get out of here quickly." I resisted, but she insisted, so I thanked her and took her slip just as the number was being called at the desk. My transaction went quickly, and when I was done, the couple was still sitting there, waiting for their turn, which was still about fifteen minutes away. I thanked them again and walked outside, thankful to God for such kind and compassionate people. Who knew that a visit to the BMV could be encouraging?