I was married for twelve years before I had my first baby. Until then, I had worked side-by-side with my husband on our ranch, haying, lambing, riding colts, and more. When my first child was a week old, my mother-in-law came out to help. I told her I felt frustrated because the only thing I was getting done was holding and nursing that baby, and I knew my husband was outside picking up all my slack. My mother-in-law (who had eight boys and one girl) said, “You have nothing better to do than to hold that baby.”
I realized she was right. That became my mantra through Little League, soccer, homeschooling, Young Marines, and every activity I sat through or participated in with them until they were grown. “I have nothing better to do than watch this soccer game.” I have nothing better to do than lead my kids’ 4H Club.” I have nothing better to do than to listen to multiplication tables.”
The most incredible thing about it was, every time I thought that, my heart swelled with love and gratitude for the precious gift I was given, and the wisdom of my mother-in-law, who did this with nine children and still believed it.
This week, I idled my 4-wheeler alongside my seven-year-old granddaughter’s 4-wheeler as we drove down to the river and I thought to myself: “I have nothing better to do than go frog hunting with this kid.” And I believed it.
Karla
I Have Nothing Better to Do...
