Tuesday, July 10, 2007

In Other Words

"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing yet had been done."

~C.S. Lewis~

"Come on Boo! Let's go! We are late late late....for a very important date." As usual, we struggle to get dressed, get moving, get the bag packed and out of the door in a short amount of time. Does this sound like fun to you? And if that wasn't enough, we would do this approximately 6 times a week - five work days, and the oh so important day - Sunday. Getting out the door for church was sometimes like pulling teeth. Hubby has already left because of duty and responsibility and getting Boo unglued from the morning cartoons was enough to make me batty.

Notice, I didn't mention one word about God. There was no relying on God to do any of that. And yet my frustration level was high...hm.

I don't, nor did I then, just say some magic prayer and all of sudden the three year old obeys perfectly and gets dressed by himself and is ready in lickity-split...it took conscious thoughts and prayers to get the ball rolling. We still have our moments, but, honestly, who doesn't? And three year olds, they have their moments, people.

Relying on God. Total dependence on Him. Putting my faith and trust in His hands, because honestly, I am nothing without Him. Acknowledging that I am not in control, and when the wind and waves start coming at me, I rest and rely on Him to deal with the circumstances of this life. Barking at my son was not going to help him have a cheerful heart and be ready to take on his day, but preparing him - giving him his time limit; preparing his heart for church while we are getting dressed - telling him who all will be there and how the Lord wants to speak to his heart today; showing him we don't rush around like fools - that's not the way of our Father.

I have been more convicted and convinced than ever that children are lurking. My child, or anyone else's for that matter, doesn't want to see me talking and preaching to them and never living Christ out in front of them. I want my son to know that his daddy and I love Jesus and we are willing to go great lengths with Him. We have been rejoicing in our house this week over paying off our debt - it has been an eye opening lesson on relying on Him, and we have already begun to see the reward for obedience.

Have a blessed day!

--Karen

11 comments:

Denise said...

Such a lovely honest post, bless you sweet one.

Miriam Pauline said...

Oh how I needed this post! I have a four year old and a two year old and this past week I can write volume on "moments". I am finding it so true the more I rely on God the easier those moments are to manage. Thank you!

Terri | Sugar Free Glow said...

Great post! I agree that children are lurking---it's a good reminder to me to be a light even when I feel crabby and dark.

Cheryl said...

Oh goodness, you made your scene come to life in your words and it was one we all can identify with! Great post.

Anonymous said...

May all those people small and big who are lurking around us see God's light in us and hear His love through our words...blessings!

Anonymous said...

Great post! I can see your heart. You are right--it IS so important to model God's love to the children. Keep up the good work.

Sharon Brumfield said...

Thanks for stopping by--I love seeing new faces, meeting new people.
The thoughts about harsh worlds not helping your child have a thankful heart--good words.

Faerylandmom said...

Holy Cow! Every post I've read has truly touched my heart - and now yours is too! Big surprise, when I know good and well this is a specific area the Lord is "growing" me in.

I too, have young kiddos, and it's so easy to forget that there is another and better parent than myself and my husband who lives here. I just need to learn to obey Him, and the rest kind of falls in line. Well, at least spiritually. :)

Jennifer Swanepoel said...

Thanks so much for this! It's so easy to get used to thinking that we're in control, when we're SO NOT!!

eph2810 said...

What a wonderful reflection in this past week's IOW quote. You are right. For some reason when we are in a hurry we forget about Christ in our life. I think it is actually the most important time to remember Him--He brings the peace we need in stressful situations.
I am so thrilled that you were able to pay of your debt - PTL.

Be blessed today and always.

Christine said...

I need a bit of this right about now...obedience and reliance on God, as well. Thanks for this post!