Running The Race
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," " Hebrews 12:1
I'm at a point in my life right now where the question keeps being raised, "Why me?" The dishes aren't washed, the laundry is piling, the baby is crying, there's things to do, places to go, people to meet, ministry outings, get-togethers, many times my Husband has meetings, gatherings, hospital visits, and many other needs that need to be met. Typically, I get the housework done -no problem so Jon and I are freed up to go out and do more things together (ministry wise) or otherwise. Currently however, now that Elliana is around I have found that I have to stay at home more often and it has been seriously challenging and hard. It is difficult to not be able to go with Jonathan everywhere I almost feel as though sometimes -he is having all the fun in ministry while I'm stuck at home swimming in dirty dishes and unfolded laundry all day. It is hard yes, but I have learned (and am still in the process of trying to accept) the fact that this is the new normal for us, that this is my ministry. And that is OK. God has placed me in this and here is where I will stay and happily strive to bloom where I have been planted.
I'm at a point in my life right now where the question keeps being raised, "Why me?" The dishes aren't washed, the laundry is piling, the baby is crying, there's things to do, places to go, people to meet, ministry outings, get-togethers, many times my Husband has meetings, gatherings, hospital visits, and many other needs that need to be met. Typically, I get the housework done -no problem so Jon and I are freed up to go out and do more things together (ministry wise) or otherwise. Currently however, now that Elliana is around I have found that I have to stay at home more often and it has been seriously challenging and hard. It is difficult to not be able to go with Jonathan everywhere I almost feel as though sometimes -he is having all the fun in ministry while I'm stuck at home swimming in dirty dishes and unfolded laundry all day. It is hard yes, but I have learned (and am still in the process of trying to accept) the fact that this is the new normal for us, that this is my ministry. And that is OK. God has placed me in this and here is where I will stay and happily strive to bloom where I have been planted.
"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Philippians 4:11. .
I do not want to sound ungrateful so please know my heart-I am very grateful and thankful to God for this ministry, and my new life as Mommy. It's wonderful it's great but not always...it does come with it's challenges. Sometimes, because of all that is going on, life can just be a little too overwhelming and everything can become too much quickly but it's in those 'frantic' moments of life where I cry out to God and ask Him to take these negative feelings that I feel are taking over inside and make them worth something. In other words, I want to allow God to get the glory out of my brokenness. When things just feel too overwhelming and out of control I have learned to gladly hand those feelings over to the Lord and say, "Here God, take it, use it, it's not my burden to carry,"
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:30 . .
Life is wonderful yet unfortunately, we live in a fallen world. It's not always wonderful. When we get cut, we bleed. When we get hurt, we feel pain. More people show hatred than love. It's imperfect. It's fallen -all the more reason why we as believers must, "11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
I do not want to sound ungrateful so please know my heart-I am very grateful and thankful to God for this ministry, and my new life as Mommy. It's wonderful it's great but not always...it does come with it's challenges. Sometimes, because of all that is going on, life can just be a little too overwhelming and everything can become too much quickly but it's in those 'frantic' moments of life where I cry out to God and ask Him to take these negative feelings that I feel are taking over inside and make them worth something. In other words, I want to allow God to get the glory out of my brokenness. When things just feel too overwhelming and out of control I have learned to gladly hand those feelings over to the Lord and say, "Here God, take it, use it, it's not my burden to carry,"
Life is wonderful yet unfortunately, we live in a fallen world. It's not always wonderful. When we get cut, we bleed. When we get hurt, we feel pain. More people show hatred than love. It's imperfect. It's fallen -all the more reason why we as believers must, "11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
I believe that everything we go through in life is just, "training ground". Meaning, what we face and go through everyday, the good and the bad -its all preparing us for what God has in store for us in the future. It's meant to help equip us, and ready us for, the big race ahead!
What do you see professional athletes poor all of there time and quite literally their energy into before a big game, or before they tear up the track? Exercise! And LOTS of it. They are preparing there bodies and making for certain that they are in tip top shape to take on what's coming. They are being made ready. In the same way -we need to ready ourselves Spiritually and start exercising those Spiritual muscles. The more we "work out" Spiritually and really strive to maintain that healthy lifestyle -all the more ready we will be to run the race -and win.
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:24 . .
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:24 . .
So I say to YOU whoever you are, and wherever you are in this world- hang in there! (Romans 5:2-5) Dust off those running shoes, strap them on tight, and fight the good fight! (1 Timothy 6:12) Never give up! and don't grow weary in well doing. (Galatians 6:9)
Very good. I believe raising my kids was the training ground I needed for what I am doing now. It's the toughest job you'll ever do and the most rewarding!
ReplyDeleteMom Reed
Mom Reed,
ReplyDeleteThanks and I agree! :)
H, I just stumbled across your blog and love the glimpse into the book you are writing. I encourage you to continue. Your daughter is absolutely beautiful! I notice in the video of her and Oogo that she has bumper pads and I felt like I should let you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Safe Sleep Initiative recommend that babies not have anything in the crib, including bumper pads. I am a nurse and do a lot of teaching on this. Some states are even banning the sale and I know you love Elliana so felt like I should let you know. God bless you and your husband as you serve Him and raise your daughter to do the same.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words of encouragement about the book, I hope and pray it can be published when completed. The video you saw of her in her crib with the bumper pads in was when she was a bit younger so rolling around and grabbing etc. wasn't an issue for us, and I checked on her very often. Now she is a bit older (5 months) and is rolling around all over the place (she started that at 4 months) so we took them out of her crib. Since then, I too have been doing my research on bumper pads and am aware of the dangers. In the future I will not be using them. Thank you for making others aware of the dangers of bumper pad usage and saving babies everywhere! God bless you too! Thanks for stopping by!