Thank you for all the incredible prayers and comments! I am so blessed by your encouraging words.
God is good!
I got up early this morning and spent some time in the Word. Daniel joined me and we snuggled under the covers, working on our Bible study books. What an amazing treasure! I hold tight to that picture as the rest of the day seems to be filled with an awful lot of “character training” moments (ie fighting and squabbing among the children).
Don’t try to separate Daniel from this coverlet.
The rain clouds parted this afternoon and, miraculously, the sun burst on the scene. It was glorious! I immediately sent all five children outside to play (run around, ride bikes, do something other than tell me the latest misdeed your brother or sister has committed).
The sun is too much for some people. Or maybe it’s the photo crazy mother that is too much. Hmmm.
Even though I hear the rain coming down steadily now, I can see and feel the warmth of today’s sunshine in my memory.
Late in the afternoon, a friend called to chat. We were in the middle of school (ALWAYS, it seems) but I wanted to talk and it was nearly the end of the day so I snuck (sneaked?) away and had a wonderful conversation. It was just what I needed. The kids were downstairs working on the last of their school books, the sun was shining through the big windows of the upstairs bedroom, and I had an encourager on the phone.
I worked my way through the piles of mess that have been building up in the master bedroom for weeks now (maybe months). I bagged and labeled kids’ clothes, picked up toys, put away laundry, and soaked up the words of affirmation from my dear friend.
You have wonderful children.
You are working hard at school and accomplishing all sorts of things. Your standards are high and are meeting your goals
You ARE a good mom. I have heard and seen you encourage and affirm your children.
I have been in your home and I know that you and Tim are building an amazing family together.
Despite what it feels like sometime, things are not crazy and overwhelming, you are not selfish and lazy, and these times will not last forever.
Oh, it was such sweetness to my soul. Jennifer, thank you for ministering to me. Thank you for letting me vent and rant and fuss about the responsibilities of life. It was lovely talking to you, having a little bit of time away from the children and tackling the (seemingly overwhelming) mess in my room.
Not only was I blessed and encouraged, I was challenged to think about how I use my words. Do I bless other people and affirm them? Do I let God speak through me and be His loving voice? When I know a friend is hurting and the Lord prompts me to reach out, do I listen?
Sometimes the day is long and the work exhausting.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
Thank you, again, to all of you who prayed and encouraged me! You are a true gift.
Kathy
