Gifts

I have been struggling in mommyhood lately. I came across a book that I picked up at Goods menno mall for $1.00. It's called: "Chasing God and the Kids Too". By Cheryl Carter. She explains strong spiritual homes welcome the presence of God.

"Children are a gift from the Lord, and anything God gives us is good. Conceptually we know this is true. Sometimes it's just that our children are not quite packaged the way we want them to be. If we're very quiet and meditative, their loudness annoys us. If we're very scholarly and our children struggle scholastically, we inwardly struggle with how to fix them. What we are really asking is how we can make them into who we want them to be. However, as different or varied as each of them is, we must accept them as our gifts.

"The real issue is : what do you do with a gift? You graciously accept it. Have you ever recieved a strange gadget as a gift? Perhaps it was a grab bag gift or something you recieved at a tupperware party. You may look at it curiously and perhaps rotate it in your hand, wondering what it is. Could it possibly have any use? Then the giver informs you that the strange thing is a bagel splitter. Your eyes gleam, and you think about all the times you cut yourself trying to divide bagels and realize what a blessing it will be to you. Understanding brings acceptance."

"As you chase after God, I want you to know that your children aren't hindering you; in fact, they are what equips you to run the race. Their innocence, their zest for life, and even their messes are molding you into a woman after God's own heart. Your insight as a mom draws you closer to the Lord. Still, there are times when you may wonder....does God really understand? How can he possible know how I feel."

"Moms, God is with you every day, and he understands you better then you understand yourself. So continue to cry out to him for help, mercy, and strength, for he is waiting to fill you. And the great thing about God's filling is that when you get empty, he'll fill you afresh again. His spirit is infinate!"

I think I will be printing this out and hanging it in my kitchen so I can keep reminding myself.