On "being mother and father"

On checking my last blog date, I was chagrined to discover that it's been ten days since I last blogged. :(

By way of trying to account for my deliquency as a blogger: I have, since January 3, been quite stretched, trying to be both mother and father to Nathan. It has been more challenging than ever as I made arrangements to travel, spent 48 hours in transit, and on landing in Portland, have begun to make decisions and make arrangements with respect to his medical care here.

I, just this morning, figured out why it is so stressful: It seems to me that to "be both father and mother" is almost impossible. (I am newly impressed with the way Paul described the way he managed to take on both roles in his ministry to the young believers in Thessalonica: "...We were as gentle among you as a mother...," while, at the same time, "we treated each of you as a father... We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy." (1 Thess. 2:7, 11-12, New Living Translation) Paul the Apostle did it all!!) But it is no wonder Nathan and I feel the absence of Hannah.

I will, tomorrow, get right back to blogging on God's remarkable provision. But, for today, I am feeling the lack of what He has not provided: anyone who could take Hannah's place as wife and mother.

Here's to Hannah (who is not only a wonderful wife and mother, but a terrific counselor, professor, and administrator!):

"She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her....
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She gets up while it is still dark....
...and her lamp does not go out at night
(especially while finishing her doctoral dissertation!)
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
'Many women do noble things but you surpass them all.'"

(Proverbs 31:10-12, 15, 18, 25-29, New International Version)