Well, I would never...

Remember back to before you were married? Before you were a parent? Remember those times you said, "I would never...."

Well guess what, that's a joke. Here's a short list of the things I naively said I would never do:

• Let my kids drink anything besides milk or water.
• Feed them "bad carbs" like bread and white rice.
• Bribe them to get them to behave.
• Give in just so they'll stop crying or screaming.
• Let them sleep in our bed.
• Use the TV as a babysitter.

I will confess that I've done every last one of those things and many more that I can't even think of right now.

Does that make me a bad mom? No! It does however reveal how ridiculously naive and arrogant I was. It's easy to make a list of "I would never" statements when you've never been in that situation. 

I recently overheard a first-time mom-to-be proclaim one of her "I would never" statements. I was drinking a diet coke at the time and nearly spit it out. I wanted to smile and say, "That's what you say now, but we'll see." Of course I didn't do that because it would be as annoying to her as it is to me when a non-parent offers me parenting advice.

But it did make me think of my own oversights and naivete. And I just had to smile. Been there, done that.

Maui the Hawaiian Superman



My dad and I on the beach in Maui in 1979.





I was barely two the first time my family visited Hawai'i. My dad had lived there as a boy and again when he was in the army and had finally convinced my mom to give it a try. Our family was hooked instantly.

We went to Maui that year. Maui is the second most popular island for tourists with O'ahu being the first.  It's also the number one honeymoon destination. And it has much to offer weary travelers like amazing swimming beaches, upscale resorts, amazing golf courses (not that I golf), the Haleakala crater, Iao Needle and of course my personal favorite, The Road to Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools.

Personally, I don't like the island except for Hana, but the legend is pretty interesting.

Maui was the youngest son and horribly hated by his brothers. See, Maui's father was never known yet his mother adored and favored him above her other sons. So of course, they became jealous of him, beat and rejected him. They were fishermen but refused to let him fish with them, so he snuck into their boat and surprised them out at sea.  They still wouldn't let him fish so he broke his nose, put the blood on a hook and caught the biggest fish of all. Maui eventually earned admiration of his brothers by capturing the sun so his mother's kapa (Hawiian tapestries/cloths) would dry out and unlocking the secret of fire  so future generations could have light and warmth.

If you've read the Old Testament, the Legend of Maui should sound familiar. There are many similiarities to the story of Joseph. Joseph too was the favored child, was hated by his brothers and cruelly treated by them. Maui was said to have "magical" powers while Joseph had the God-given gift of dream interpretation. Joseph's gift empowered him to change his status and eventually spare his family from famine while Maui's "magical" feats made his mother's work easier and provided for future generations.

Of course, Maui is just a legend while Joseph really lived, but it's interesting nonetheless. Listen to this fun Iz song about Maui. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHaMgCbO8PI

Hele On To Kaua'i

I won't lie. I miss Hawai'i horribly. Some days I miss it more than others and since we watched "Soul Surfer" again last week, I've been daydreaming a lot about my "home." By the way, if you haven't watched "Soul Surfer", you really should. It's an amazing tale of faith and triumph. I cry like a baby from the opening song to the closing credits.



This week, I am particularly missing Kaua'i. Perhaps it's because the movie is set in Kaua'i or perhaps it's just because it's my most favorite island.

On this rainy Aloha Friday, I want to share with you what I wrote in my journal when we last visited Kaua'i:

The humidity embraces my weary body as I step off the plane. My soul sighs with relief and I begin to weep. I don't even like Honolulu with its skyrise htoels and crowded beaches, but elation drips out of me.

"Welcome home," the thick hot air whispers in my ear. I spin around looking for the voice, but there's no one. Still my heart is overcome and I whisper back, "Thank you. I am home."

On our next flight from Honolulu to Lihu'e, Kaua'i i wonder if going home to Our Lord will feel this same way. Will my soul sigh and finally feel like it can breathe? Will He whisper, "welcome home?"

Scott kisses my cheek and rushes to get the rental car. I realize we are still earthbound.

I sit and wait. For much of my life, I realize, I've been sitting and waiting. Waiting for my soul to breathe. Waiting to hear from God what He has for me. Waiting to know my life's purpose....

So sit back a moment, and take a quick trip with me to my heartland. Take a trip with me to Kaua'i. Click the link below and let's hele on to Kaua'i....

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evzfGbFTr0Q

  

Hau ʻoli Pakoa

http://youtu.be/2T071I-XpJs