Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.
What expectations do you have for the role you play in your life at this time (as wife, mother, friend, co-worker, woman). Is your vision realistic or some glorified picture of what you think you ought to be? We must realize that neither people or circumstances are perfect and therefore we will not be perfect, on this side of heaven at least ... ahhh, Heaven, a perfectionist's one redeeming factor!
We must be realistic. As a mom and wife I can recognize that not only I, but my children and husband have weaknesses, as well as their many strengths. We can learn though to not be discouraged by our weaknesses, but to build on our strengths.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ ... Philipians 1:6
One thing we must learn as women, be us moms or not, is how to say no or not right now. We do not have to do it all right now! We can learn from the wisdom of Solomon ...
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- Ecclesiastes 3:1 NASB
We must guard against the temptations that would distract us from the main events: God & family FIRST ...
Take time today if possible to list all the activities you are involved in. Secondly, list all the activities those for whom you are responsible for are involved in (i.e., things you are responsible to drive them to or be involved in in some way). Busy? Is there anything on either list that you feel God is asking you to reexamine or stop? Are any of these things a "stress" to us? Are any of these things causing us to be ineffective in other areas of primary responsibility?
Too often it is easy for us to say "yes" when we are really feeling a "no" beneath the surface. We over commit to please others (or atleast I do). Consider this ... just because you are being asked does NOT mean you have to accept! Is it best for you? Best for your family? What is the time commitment going to be? Most importantly, have you prayed about it?
Again the wisdom of Solomon: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes ... It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:5, 6, 7a, 8
Only God knows the future. Too often we struggle and try to keep from making a mess of things because we over commit ourselves and our families to things we never should have said "yes" to in the first place.
If your plate is full and overflowing, there is grace for that, but we need to tap into our Power Source and seek HIS direction for our lives no matter what stage of life we are in.
LORD God for whom time is not an issue
and yet the One who knows the end from the beginning
I commit to you my day and my schedule
(which already has changed due to unforseen circumstances).
May You accomplish through me and this day Your priorities.
Help me to be flexible, positive and to always keep my eyes steadily on You.
Remind me often to consult You before I give a resounding
"yes and amen"
to those who would ask for pieces of my time.
Let me keep the main event ~ the main event ...
In the Mighty and Gracious Name of our LORD and Savior
Amen & Amen.
The above encouragement was what I learned from my continued reading of The Power of a Positive Mom: Revised Edition by Karol Ladd.
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