It can all be different...

My goal in my writing is to always, above all else, be honest with other moms.  The last few weeks I've really struggled.  I've struggled with normal every day things, broken appliances, parenting, working, lack of sleep, sick kiddos, being sick myself, a teething baby, and even ministry things.

I've been feeling like a rubber band that has been stretched and stretched and stretched some more.  I haven't fit the 'image' of the mom I think I should be.  I haven't been as patient, my smile hasn't quite been glued in place, and my attitude was feeling hopeless and tired.  

I know we have all been there, that time when there was more for you to do than you felt like you had to give.  The times where you've felt like all your friends were clueless as to what was happening in your life and you felt alone.  

I said all that to say this, you're not alone and in a moment it could all be different. I think so often we are so accustomed to looking at our circumstances that we forget 'the God factor'.  It sounds so silly to my mind, 'how could I ever forget God?'. Yet we do.  We forget about His abundant provision financial, physical strength, energy, and wisdom for parenting.  

I was thinking about the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible.  She had it was happening for YEARS!!  We're not talking about having a rough day... we're talking about YEARS!  But this woman had enough sense to include Jesus into her 'life equation'.  She knew that all she had to do was touch the hem of His garment and her life would be instantly changed.  

I want to challenge you to invite God back into the equation.  I know how it is when you just have so much happening and multiple situations that you feel need your attention. But, just stop and invite Him to move on your behalf.  When you are dealing with that toddler and you just want to scream, stop and invite Him in.  When you are trying to teach that child the same concept, for what feels like, the hundredth time invite Him in.  I've actually asked Him to help me plan my day.  I have a schedule and a list of what I would like accomplished but I have stopped to consciously ask Him, 'what do YOU want me to do today?'.  What house project would be best to work on today, which subject should I teach first, all these things are opportunities to let Him into your life and lead, teach, and guide you. 

The flip side of inviting Him to show you what to do, is that you also allow Him to tell you what NOT to do.  There are times that we overload our schedules and our expectations of ourselves and even our families. Because we have not asked Him what to do.  The best picture I can put to the concept is that of a child carrying a stack of dishes. You as the parent can see the vacuum cord and shoes on the floor, but your child can't.  He/She just keeps saying, 'I'm fine Mom I can do it put another on the top'.  The child (like us) can't see what is ahead or what circumstances may hinder our ability to safely get those dishes in the sink. God can see the WHOLE picture. He knows whats coming and He knows us better than we know ourselves.  Let's let Him guide our plans, our decisions, and our expectations. When we let Him lead us in these areas we'll experience true freedom in the area of comparing ourselves and our lives to those around us.  

And remember, when you are sure you are doing exactly what He has called you to do for this time and you still feel like you aren't seeing the results you want, keep pressing on!  Love Him more and spend more time with Him.  Trust Him more.  In one instant everything could be different, that thing you have been believing for could be right around the corner, trust Him more.  And having done all stand and trust Him more.

<3 Faythe