Oct 2007

Becoming an Instant Parent

It was about four weeks ago that Laerke, our Danish foreign exchange student, arrived in Wisconsin. Rick and I have thoroughly enjoyed having her as a part of our family: sharing with Laerke the foods that we like, having her be a part of family gatherings, playing cards, going canoeing, walking and bike riding and helping her learn about American culture. Her first trip to West Town Mall was quite an experience!

Because Laerke is out for volleyball, I have personally had to adjust my schedule, blocking out the nights she has games so that I can attend them, pick her up after practice, etc. Now I truly know what it is like to be the parent of a teenager! Certainly, it’s an experience that I am relishing.

And now for the honesty: sometimes, it means that I have less time for my job. Some days, I really have to make choices about what will get done and what will have to wait. I’m sorry if I haven’t been able to call on you like I would like or follow-up as I should. Maybe this dose of reality is part of what God wanted me to learn through hosting Laerke.

This experience has also made me realize how jam-packed our schedules can be. At times, I have to make choices between exercise and getting supper ready; laundry and e-mail; time with Laerke and work. This is reality for many families and I pray that this experience will make me a bit more empathetic to how challenging life can be.

Yet, at the same time, Rick and I love the evenings when we are both home with Laerke and we eat dinner together and then get to play cards or a game; when we learn about her life and culture and we can mutually share. Times like these are invaluable. I truly believe it is what allows Laerke to see how we really live as a family. If we don’t take these times, Laerke will simply be a house guest and not part of our family.

Just last night as we took time to be together, I realized that this is what God also yearns for from us: time with God, to just be together and be a family. Individually, we need time with God. As a family, we need time together to hang out and just be. It is in those moments, that I feel God observes us and smiles broadly. Yes, athletic events and shopping and being a part of the local community are important. But every family needs time to just be together, be a family and share in God’s presence with their family. I’m going to make sure and make the most of these opportunities that we have with Laerke while she is here. I’m sorry if that means at times something I planned to do for work sits another day. No, I’m not going to stop doing my job. I’m just beginning to realize that maybe the most important way I can be a Christian model to Laerke is by not running off to do more thing for the church. It may be taking time to be a family with her and Rick. This is a lesson I’m trying to learn and embody. Be patient with me while I continue to figure this out. God is speaking to me … and I’m trying to listen.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dianne