“You never get it all done.” Betsy Singleton Snyder, Stepping on Cheerios.
Methodist minister, mother of four boys, including triplets, and wife of a then member of Congress, tells us what it is like to stay connected to God amid daily chaos. Some of Betsy’s other favorite suggestions in Stepping on Cheerios are you “take sorta kinda breaks,” “have a family movie night as a spiritual practice,” “be just yourself and nothing else,” “nurture something with your kids,” “do less comparing,” and “stop more.” “God made bossy moms” and “everyone screws up” are two other examples of her wisdom that resonated with me.
One of the parts of Betsy’s book I treasured is what she calls “The Squad.” This is an extensive list and description of people who helped her, especially after she had a serious medical complication of pregnancy and times when her husband, Victor, was in Washington or meeting with his constituents at home.
Betsy and her family are a significant example of what living in a community is like. Not all of us will have triplets, but all will at some time need the support and love of a community, as Betsy found. It makes all the difference, as we receive help until we are again able to help others. We become more open to seeing the love of Christ in our neighbor who reaches out to us. We, in turn, learn from our neighbor more about the Christ in ourselves, who guides us to that life-giving and sacred place of gratitude.
This is a significant theme of Betsy’s book. She sees lessons in a multitude of situations presented to her, and always moves out of them with gratitude. Gratitude for those who help her, appreciation for the lessons she has learned, and gratitude for the love of God shown to her family by so many. Her last chapter is titled “My Cup Runneth Over,” as she thanks so many for making her dreams come true.
Joanna joannaseibert.com