My Kids are my BBQ

A few years ago, pre-kids, the hubby and I were lucky enough to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua. We spent a week building homes alongside the Nica people who would live in them and had the most wonderful experience getting to know the families in the village. Despite my complete lack of construction know-how, it was an amazing and life-changing trip. It’s surprising the way God can use us, even when our own abilities are lacking.

During our time in Nicaragua, we stayed at a base camp of sorts and were bused to and from the village each day. On one of these bus rides, my husband Evan struck up a conversation with a fellow traveler who told him all about the BBQ competitions he competes in back in the states. Of course Evan was enthralled, asking a million questions and loving all the photos his new pal shared of the trailer he has decked out to make delicious smoked meats on the go. They discussed everything from how to inject juices into the meat to the best way to display it for the judges. I sat a few seats back, listening to their conversation and enjoying how animated the story-teller was. His thick Southern accent just added to his charm. Reflecting on it later, I told a friend about this man’s enthusiasm for his hobby and thinking out loud said, “I wish I was as passionate about anything in my life as this man is about BBQ!”

Fast forward a year or so, and I’m heading back to work after my maternity leave with Gage. I didn’t dread the initial return, or really consider doing it any differently at first. I just tried to keep my head above water as I jumped back in to a busy season at work. But it wasn’t long before I was crying most days on my drive to the office, or searching for ways to earn income from home while I pumped in seclusion behind a locked door. I had no idea how strongly I would desire to be a stay-at-home mom. I’ve always enjoyed my work and found value in it, and mean it when I say I had the BEST working environment one could hope for. I worked alongside wonderful, understanding people and mentors who trained, supported and cared about me. For a long time, supporting our family with just one income just didn’t seem like a viable option. However, after several months of deliberation and prayer, and the knowledge that we’d be welcoming baby number 2, we decided that it in fact was right for us.

Of course leaving such a great group of co-workers was bittersweet. At a former colleague’s graduation party a few months after my last day, I was talking to a friend from work and telling him how much I enjoyed being at home. I think my exact words were “Of course I miss everyone, but I love it every single day, even on the really hard days.” A bystander overheard our conversation and my friend introduced me and explained that we used to work together. After shaking hands, this gentleman asked me, “So what do you do now?” and with the biggest smile on my face I replied that I stay home with my two boys. Who knows what this person was thinking, but I imagine that as he listened to me describe my days, he could sense my enthusiasm for what I do. Perhaps he thought I left my former job for another career opportunity and was describing the challenges of a new job. Maybe he was surprised to discover my new title was “mom” rather than manager or director.

Thinking back on the exchange, a thought popped into my head…”my kids are my BBQ!” I’ve discovered the one thing I’m the most passionate about. Granted, they aren’t a hobby that I just enjoy on the weekends like traveling to competitions or perfecting fall-off-the-bone ribs, but I could talk about my two sweet boys for hours. I could tell you all about their smiles, giggles, adorable cries, sleep patterns (or lack thereof) and I’d be thrilled to whip out my phone and share our latest photo session. I truly feel blessed beyond measure that this is my reality now. May we all find our BBQ!