It’s a good exhaustion.

To anyone who has toddlers in your home (I mean real ones, not really immature grownups) and manages to get anything accomplished: I salute you!

When I saw my son-in-law yesterday afternoon, he asked, “Are you exhausted?”

My answer: “Yes, but it’s a good exhaustion.”

For the previous five days, Mrs. Sweetie and I had our two favorite granddaughters (ages 4 1/2 and 18 months) at our house while their parents (our still-favorite daughter and son-in-law) had a little Tennessee getaway that coincided with a training conference for said son-in-law.

It’s the first time we’ve had both girl sans parents and I think I may have forgotten how much work it is.

I can’t remember the last time I washed my hands this many times in this many days between little sister diaper changes, food cleanups, helping potty-trained but not completely bathroom independent big sister—there was some serious pruneage (yes I know that’s not a word) on my fingers.

And meal times—whew!  Getting these little ones to eat a well-balanced and healthy diet with all the nutrients … what am I saying?  That’s their parents’ job!  I’m a Grandpa.  They eat whatever they will eat at my house.  Marshmallows, hotdogs, ice cream, cookies, macaroni and cheese, chocolate milk …

We did have a little success with some green beans, carrots, and fruit.

And they don’t sleep in.  I was barely in my chair with my coffee each morning when I heard little footsteps coming down the hall.  A few minutes of snuggles and then, “Grandpa, I need a tasty snack.”

Of course you do, sweet girl.

A few minutes later, “Grandpa, do you want to play with me?”

What else could I possibly want to do?

The little one’s vocabulary is not as well developed.  She’s pretty good at nodding “yes” and saying “no” to my guesses at interpreting her loud requests.

Am I exhausted?

Heck, yeah!

But, it’s a good exhaustion.

The final day included getting up early, getting the car loaded, getting kids ready, taking them to the church where I was the guest preacher and then completing the 300 mile round trip to meet the parents half-way and deliver this most precious cargo.

Am I exhausted?

Dadgum right!

But, it’s a good exhaustion.

Here’s a great and important life truth: when you are doing what you love … what really matters … what you were put on this planet to do—no matter how exhausting it is, it’s a good exhaustion.

I hope you don’t think I’m saying that taking care of grandkids is what I was put on this planet to do.  It’s not.  What I was put on this planet to do is help people find their amazing and live the amazing life that God created them for—if only they are willing to explore the possibilities.

But, that includes my family.  What a shame it would be if I only considered my calling—my vocation—as including what happens when I’m “at work” (as if “work” is a place).  I want my Sweetie, my kids, my grandkids—each one of them—to know that their lives matter to God, that God has a uniquely designed “Amazing” for each one of them, and that they will find their ultimate fulfillment in the discovery of their divinely appointed purpose.

That doesn’t happen through my great teaching.  It happens through joy-filled and purposeful living.  That’s my life’s work.  That’s my legacy.

Is it sometimes exhausting?

You better believe it!

But, it’s a good exhaustion.

Be amazing today, my friend.