This blog is titled "Rogers Family", so I figured I had better post something before Cyndi took away my log-in priviliges.
Most who know me, know that I have a special place in my heart for children. I suppose that has a great deal to do with the personal struggles Cyndi and I went through to start our own family, and the blessings that God poured out on us with the gift of two precious children in Anna Grace and Austin. I'd like to tell you that we were faithful and were seeking His face through all of our struggles and pain back then, but that would not be truthful. But our God is the God of love and He blessed us in spite of our unfaithfulness. I shall never take these blessings for granted and will never cease to pray over our children.
We all question God in times of pain and struggle and want to know the same thing ... "Why?". We generally never get a direct or immediate answer, but through His grace we often times understand later in life how a particular struggle was meant to shape us into what He intended for us to be, or to prepare us for something bigger that we would face later. I can't honestly say that I understand the "Why" behind all of our personal struggles, but I return to my opening comment ... I have a special place in my heart for children. Somehow through the path that brought me to this point in my life, my heart yearns for the children that I have the privilege of interacting with each week. Through our church family and close friendships, there are so many wonderful, precious children that I get to spend time with. It warms my heart to watch them play, laugh, and interact with one another and to grow, love and live. I won't make the mistake of calling names because most certainly I will miss someone, but what a joy and a blessing it is to know these children ... YOUR CHILDREN ... and to watch them grow and see their personalities take shape. And in the light of numerous baptisms over the past year, it is such an affirmation that God is in the lives our children and that He has chosen to do so through us as parents.
Which brings me to the original intent of this post (finally, right?). At the Rogers' house, all things are a shared responsibility between Mom and Dad. We both work, we both clean, we both pay bills, and we both parent. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that "Mom" is the glue that holds us all together. She is so in touch with all of our needs and does a terrific job of making sure that we all have what we need, and just when we need it -- especially for the kids. For every dance recital, PTO event, birthday party, bump, bruise, fashion emergency, T-ball game, show & tell, bath, .... all the way to the bedtime prayer ... Mom makes sure all bases are covered. And though it is sometimes frustrating and she gets worn out, she does it with love and she does it without fail.
So I take this opportunity to say "thank you" to our "Mommy" for all she means to us, and to all of the "Mommies" for the awesome job that you are doing with "our" children. In the face of your most frustrating and challenging times of the week, be encouraged with the difference that you are making in the lives of "our" children and know that you are answering the call of your Heavenly Father. He is proud of you, and so am I. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it. You are an incredible group of ladies!
- Joe
