I have started a Bible Study at PWOC, (Protestant Women of Christ), titled Treasuring Christ when your hands are full by Gloria Furman. Just the introduction and the first chapter really spoke to me. The author describes how sometimes during the course of our busy days we get frustrated and we overlook the many blessings that surround us. I for one am guilty of this.
As a stay at home mom with a husband who sometimes work long hours, or may not come home some days, I get frustrated. When the day has gone on for what seems like an eternity I can feel the weight of my exhaustion pulling at me. I get short with my husband and even my kids. I hear myself saying to the kids "Please no more talking for a little while" I sigh deeply when they have one more request that needs to be filled before bedtime. I fall into bed like the weight of the world is on me. I often forget that maybe the kids are overwhelmed with kid stuff or even the hubby is probably overwhelmed to.
In the first chapter the author says that even when you are dealing with potty accidents or an abundance of laundry, that you must stop, give pause and recognize the blessings before you. I do not do this very often. One day last week I was trying to get registered to go back to school, I was on a very important phone call and at that very moment my daughter decides that it is time to potty train. So I am answering questions, registering online, stopping to clean up pee, hushing my daughter, filling her cup, pushing her away from the job. Not once during those two hours did I thank God for my daughter or that she is able to grasp the potty training concept. When my husband called me to ask me a favor I could hear the whining in my voice, I couldn't swallow the deep sigh that overtook me. I was frustrated and short and so far from grateful at that very moment.
I am making it my goal to improve on this. To try to be more fun, more patient, more focused with my family. Even when my sweet little daughter locks me out of the house when I walk my son out to the bus. I am thankful I actually wore my flip flops out the door, I am thankful I am fully dressed and not in my pajamas, I am thankful I have a house to be locked out of and most importantly I am thankful when five minutes later she unlocks the door.
For nearly a week the weather has been beautiful. We can turn the heat off, we can prop the back door open and we have a quaint little yard for the dog and the kids to play in. Thank you Lord for that. I am thankful that we have two cars. I am thankful that my son finally has the words to tell me that I have a really big stomach that he likes, or that his homemade chicken tender is to hard. I am thankful that I had the food to prepare.
God has blessed my little family in so many ways. From my husband receiving his Green Card, to the Recruiters that encouraged him and helped him join the Army to earning his citizenship. Our son born with health issues and as he gets older they become less noticeable. My daughter making it to Tennessee as a newborn with a breathing issue we knew nothing about. The time on the interstate in Alabama where there could have been a horrible accident but everyone in all three lanes managed to accommodate for the mistakes of one driver and not hit anyone.
I see God's beauty around me everyday. I live in El Paso where the skies are so beautiful and big. The mountains are a dull brown but sometimes green and really kind of beautiful. I have three beautiful children that are unique in their own ways, but often I forget that the uniqueness is a blessing from God. I get caught up in all that must be done or I would like to do and forget what I have right in front of me. Sometimes I can find the humor in the situation right as it unfolds, other times I cannot. I am trying to learn to be more flexible, to roll with things easier. I am trying to hear God's voice again.
Yes, I am blessed beyond measure and I really am thankful for all of it. For my family, my friends, for everything around me. I am eager to return to the study next week. While I was sitting in the room surrounded by other wives, I felt like I wasn't alone. I felt like I belonged, like God had led me to the place he needed me to be all along. That too is a blessing.
Remember don't complain about your kids all the time to those who will listen. Find the positive in the situation that is annoying you. Don't call your kids names like a-holes or whatever. Call them beautiful little gifts from God. God is love and he gave you your children and your husband. Be thankful.
Through daily troubles we have opportunities to testify that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. Lam. 3:22
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