Linking up with "THANKFUL THURSDAY"
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 we are told to always rejoice; and, as if you might need a second witness to this advice, in Philippians 4:4 we can read "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Clark's Commentary on the Bible says, "Be always happy; the religion of Christ was intended to remove misery. He that
has God for his portion may constantly exult.... The apostle repeats the exhortation, to show, not only his earnestness, but also
that it was God's will that it should be so, and that it was their duty as well
as interest." Am I doing this though? When I am "busy" lets be honest about what I am busy with.... Really, truly, BE HONEST. Yes, I am worldly busy. I am not busy about God's work though. I may think I am, but I'm not. If I was, I would venture to say I wouldn't even count it as busy. Does my daughter look at my constant burning of the candle as something good? Or rather is it a source of frustration for our family? If it was something Godly would I count it as busy.....???? Honesty now.
Yeah, I'm laying it on the line. I don't care what you do, how you do it, or even what you call it, but for me, all the activities I do don't necessarily make me a better Christian, don't always further the Kingdom, nor do they always glorify Him. I am human, but I see room for improvement right now. I am seriously wanting our lives to be less stress-fillled, hence the big undertaking of simplifying our lives.
I have been successful in many areas.... I am still working on it. But.... I still look at myself and say I am busy.... my attitude has not changed so very much.... right? So my goal is to now change that. The word busy needs to be gone from my vocabulary. What we speak we soon believe. So if I change that small thing, and begin to view things in a different light maybe I wont overhear my daughter tell daddy that "mommy was frustrated today....." Yeah, out of the mouths of the innocent babes.
I need to rejoice. Sing praises to Him more. Writing that I am thankful has helped, and likely has led to God putting this on my heart, so now the next step is before me.
Today I am thankful for God and His loving mercy and grace. That He loves me enough to show me where I need to make improvements in my life. That He loves enough to show me that my actions can lead to a calm and loving household or a household that wonders if mommy will be running around like a chicken with her head cut off and getting easily upset.
Life is short. God is good and the most important thing I can do as a Christian wife and mom is to pray and be full of a rejoicing heart. So yes, I am thankful, that God shows me my faults and allows me time to try to change and become more the woman He would desire for me to be. I want my daughter and husband to view me as calm and capable, someone they can confide in without fear that it will lead to "mommy getting frustrated."
Thank you gentle friends....
Ahh, yes. Thank you, this speaks for me too. I'm constantly busy, but is with the right things? Most of the time, no.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with time management and prioritization and lately one Bible verse pops into my mind constantly... "Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33.
God is telling me what to do, why is it so hard to obey?
Thank you for these words, sweet friend. I needed them more than you know. Your blog blesses me so much.
Thank you Heather. Your kindness means so much to me. I have been struggling with this "busy" feeling and I think God is telling me, as my key broke off in my lock, that I need to be certain that I have the right mind and right spirit. Thank you again gentle friend.
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