Tuesday, April 9, 2013

I'm Learning

Today I am grateful for struggles.  The things I've learned and continue to learn from them make me humble so much it's overflowing. These struggles that sometimes feel so overwhelming are teaching me about myself; as a Moma, as a wife, as a friend, daughter and about my God. These struggles are teaching me to reach outside of my comfort zone, outside of this little box I like to stay in because quite frankly, I need it. These struggles are teaching me to ask for help. To reach out to others that tell me they care and are willing to help. These struggles are teaching me to be strong and how to love in new ways. They show me how weak I'd be without my Savior and how to lean on Him more than ever before.

Today I'm grateful. My friend came over to visit. Just to say hello. I think we all need that random visitor time to time despite the tornado trail our house may resemble.  I'm grateful for the time she sat and talked with me. For a split second, I was distracted from the usual crazy that runs around me 24-7 and was able to view it all in a different perspective. She listened to my girls go on about the sun, the planes, the flowers at the store that looked like giraffes. Things I've heard time and time again. She admired the crafts and art work spread through out the house.  She cared. Genuinely. She overlooked the stains on the couch, the crayon marks on the wall, the pile of dishes in the sink, the broom and dust pan propped up in the corner and the baby spit-up running down my shoulder. She admired it all. Sometimes it takes someone else's outlook to open your eyes and remind you that your chaos isn't always so chaotic. She made me see exactly how lucky I am.  I'm grateful for our crazy and wouldn't trade it for anything.  


What keeps me going? 

The hearts that roam outside of my being. That's what. I'm slowly learning that. I've only been a Moma for 3 1/2 years, so I'm far from being a novice. But I do know where to turn when I feel like I'm lacking.  I've told you before how I keep reminders everywhere to help me when times are tough.



 It's hard to remember He's got your back when the girls are fighting, the baby's crying, and the dogs are barking at the exact same woman that walks by the house everyday at 3:30. Patience and strength can be hard to find. But it's there.



Proverbs 15:18 
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (NIV)
--I'm learning to keep a soft tone. Getting frustrated and loud will only teach my girls to react in such a manner. Learning to stay calm is tough, but I'm seeing it's rewards. 

Isaiah 40:31 
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)
--My prayers, at times, feel as if they're going unanswered. I'm learning  though, by waiting for HIS timing, I'm seeing them answered in ways I didn't think of. So, keep an open heart. 

Galatians 6:9 
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)
--I want to be a strong woman of God. I want my girls to know that it's important to try always and never underestimate themselves. 

Psalm 86:15
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (NIV)
--I'm learning to forgive my children. Oh! They can make me sooo angry, but I'm learning to let go. The only way they're going to learn to love and show love is by example. I'm that. 

Romans 12:12 
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV)
--Pray. Always. At the sink, during bath time, OUT LOUD, at the stove, in the pick-up line, at the dry-cleaners...PRAY!!! He'll hear you. 


I'm learning. 
Everyday. 
Something new. 
Something different. 
Something else that helps me become stronger, wiser, and better at life. 

2 comments:

  1. I may not have littles running circles around me, but I do understand how hard it can be sometimes to "keep on keeping on" with a smile on your face. You may not feel it all the time, but you are blessed to have eyes that are open to the wonder of your family and the firm knowledge and belief in the love of your savior. So many in this world are without that. I'm glad that you are instilling it in your girls, just as I try to teach it to the teenagers who surround me.
    Love you, praying for you!

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  2. This is such a good post! I feel like I'm "right there with ya" in life and learning. So thankful for God's continual teaching!

    xo

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But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more Psalm 71:14