This morning I slept in and I felt guilty. See, I stayed in bed and allowed my mother to take care of the boys (I have an excuse for being tired...MT woke up four times last night and JD 2x--what's up with that???).
Don't you feel sorry for me? (That's a rhetorical question...I don't deserve sympathy).
Personal martyrdom is not my motto. I tried to recruit help last night. I nudged my husband when MT woke for the fifth time as a monsoon of urine exploded from his diaper. My husband groaned--he didn't move. I sighed heavy and with MUCH disgust I threw off my cozy covers and shuffled my way to MT's bedside. All I could think of as I changed his smelly damp trousers in the dark was, "Why can't I just sleep? I want to sleep, sleep, sleep. All I ask for is a little help. That's all. Just a little help. Why is it always me..."
And help is exactly what God sent me when my mother decided to wake up and tend to my night owl children.
So why did I feel so guilty?
I consider myself spoiled in this life. I often and I mean OFTEN think of those less fortunate when I partake in overindulgent moments as I did this morning. So I prayed and felt a little sheepish. Then God reminded me that my remembering those less fortunate is good, but I should also be thankful for the sleep-in this morning...that's grace.
Grace is coupled best with humility. If not paired with a humble heart, grace can be hard to swallow. Pride can often cause our throats to swell and close in selfishness and face-saving.
But I don't care about looks. I humble myself before You, Jesus. I love God and the grace He shows me in such things as a lazy Friday morning sleep-in.
Thanks gracious God. I am truly humbled before You. Praise the name of the Lord!!!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
An Encouraging Visit
My mother arrived for a three day visit on Wednesday. My mother's presence, thankfully, puts me a ease. I enjoy her company, her help and her conversation.
Today (Thursday) my youngest son challenged me in the middle of department store. He repeatedly ran from my side. Not a fast walk, but a race track rabbit sprint. And the more I said, "Stop, come back here!" the faster his little feet moved. So after about the third time and plenty of warnings, I took him to a corner and spanked his bottom. I said, "When you run away from mommy you run into potential danger. Someone who does not love you as I could hurt you or take you from me. You must listen and obey mommy."
He's only two--he doesn't get the truth, though I still impart as I see fit.
Embarrassed as to the stares of numerous women (I have never spanked publicly before then. Too concerned I'd have the cops called on me), my mother put her arm around my shoulder and reassured me that my decision to take "action" at that moment moved my youngest son one step closer to understanding just how much I love and care for him.
I truly hope so, mom. Thanks for the encouragement.
Today (Thursday) my youngest son challenged me in the middle of department store. He repeatedly ran from my side. Not a fast walk, but a race track rabbit sprint. And the more I said, "Stop, come back here!" the faster his little feet moved. So after about the third time and plenty of warnings, I took him to a corner and spanked his bottom. I said, "When you run away from mommy you run into potential danger. Someone who does not love you as I could hurt you or take you from me. You must listen and obey mommy."
He's only two--he doesn't get the truth, though I still impart as I see fit.
Embarrassed as to the stares of numerous women (I have never spanked publicly before then. Too concerned I'd have the cops called on me), my mother put her arm around my shoulder and reassured me that my decision to take "action" at that moment moved my youngest son one step closer to understanding just how much I love and care for him.
I truly hope so, mom. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Getaway
This weekend is my getaway. A surprise retreat with just my husband. The kids go to Grams and Papa's while we stay in a resort-like hotel close to all the amenities. A spa, a pool, a continental breakfast to shame most restaurants. Ain't life grand? I plan for my husband's friends to drop him off at the motel confused and unaware while I wait in the lobby to take him to a movie then...well, that's none of your business.
Why are getaways important?
Getaways rejuvenate. Getaways refresh. Getaways keep us sane in an insane world. Or at least we hope.
But what if a getaway is outside the budget? Or what if a getaway does not mesh into the work schedule? Or what if a getaway doesn't do as promised?
Then you do what Jesus did. You escape and pray. Maybe not on a mountain top with Moses and Elijah. Or in a garden as our enemies surround us. But in our hearts.
Wherever God has us.
However we are.
Whenever we can.
That is the pure, real image of a getaway that rejuvenates, refreshes, and keeps us sane. A chance, no, an opportunity to spend one-on-one quality time to talk to the Father. The "big cheese" that created it all and is over all. Nothing satisfies like a fill from the Living Water and the Bread of Life.
Next time you need a getaway, you don't have to do as I and reserve a room at a four-star hotel. Better yet, reserve room in your heart. And spend time with Jesus who never leaves nor forsakes.
Why are getaways important?
Getaways rejuvenate. Getaways refresh. Getaways keep us sane in an insane world. Or at least we hope.
But what if a getaway is outside the budget? Or what if a getaway does not mesh into the work schedule? Or what if a getaway doesn't do as promised?
Then you do what Jesus did. You escape and pray. Maybe not on a mountain top with Moses and Elijah. Or in a garden as our enemies surround us. But in our hearts.
Wherever God has us.
However we are.
Whenever we can.
That is the pure, real image of a getaway that rejuvenates, refreshes, and keeps us sane. A chance, no, an opportunity to spend one-on-one quality time to talk to the Father. The "big cheese" that created it all and is over all. Nothing satisfies like a fill from the Living Water and the Bread of Life.
Next time you need a getaway, you don't have to do as I and reserve a room at a four-star hotel. Better yet, reserve room in your heart. And spend time with Jesus who never leaves nor forsakes.
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