Frustrating days. Children culminate a season of too-little sleep with FAR too much picking, pestering, disrespecting, disobeying. All signs pointed this direction after numerous late nights and early mornings. Preparation, prevention - both were available in the wee hours, but the preference was extended sleep over quiet reflection - the comfy bed over the call to prayer. The result? Waking to screaming, fighting, nastiness. Today's tone set by tired children instead of a Mother's God-given gentleness, patience.
Selfishness visits often. Love of sleep, comfort, rest, warmth, takes precedence over Truth. Though each day is still prayer-full, the cost is glaringly obvious. Mom leads by example - me first - and guess who follows?
Conviction stings deep. Growth is painful; the choice not to grow, excruciating.
Reminders of previous ponderings - conviction or condemnation? Standing at the crossroads, a pastor's voice is heard,
"Failure is an event, not a person."
Welcome conviction - let mistakes, choices, awareness bring change. Choose not to belittle the masterpiece, magnify flaws, focus on scars - choose to accept the unchangeable, embrace opportunities, repent to be restored, let go to let God.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30, The Message
What greater reason to give thanks?
61. The all-too comfortable bed.
62. Waking with my favorite person.
63. Life lessons passed on from great leaders - "Love God, love others."
64. 1 Corinthians 13 - God's explanations of His expectations.
65. Giggling princesses.
66. Bargains discovered during quiet wanderings.
67. Hosanna.
68. God's perfectly timed messages.
69. "Come messy - just come."
70. Refreshing and relaxing adult conversation after one-too-many childish conflicts.
2 comments:
wow - not only was this very truthful (for me) but well-written! You have a talent with the written word, my friend.
Thanks for understanding - it's encouraging to hear that others relate to my struggles. I appreciate your kind words, too!
Be encouraged that time with God in the morning makes a HUGE difference in the day. I have been SO blessed to experience His faithfulness first hand in recent days. I'm not perfect, and I still mess it up, but He is faithful even in my mess.
Praying you can find strength in Him this week!
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