Wednesday, April 25, 2012

{Re} Retired Glamor Seeker!!!

There's nothing glamorous about changing diapers (I've actually graduated to wiping bottoms), folding laundry, or tackling a sink full of dirty dishes. I've tried to find the beauty, and really, there just isn't. I suppose that the beauty lies not in the work itself, but in the attitude of the worker.  The Bible says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24  That pretty much sums it up!  I have to admit, I am weary and tired and just plain worn out in my job being a mom and wife right now.  There are some days that I just want to hop in the car and drive with no actual destination in mind, just to get away from all the demands.  No worries, I'm not planning on doing this!  ;)  However, I have to remind myself sometimes that this life I'm living now is the fulfillment of one of my dreams.  I have a wonderful life that I love, and I'm passionate about my role as wife and mother to the family God's given me.  Being a wife and mom were not my only dreams, I actually have many!  So sometimes I get a little discouraged about the "work" I am doing now, and a little frustrated about how challenging it can be.  Don't we all?  Sometimes I lose my focus a bit and think this may be all I ever do in life.  At times I compare myself to others who are doing the very things that I have longed to do my whole life...you know, the glamorous stuff.  Trust me, the grass is never greener on the other side.  Each one of us has our own struggles and load to carry in whatever we do in life and whatever season we're in!  It's at times like these that I have to remind myself what and who I am "working" for and why.  Okay, so today, this is a quick little reminder to myself...and you, if you're struggling a bit today! ;)

What am I working for?  The bigger picture and ultimate goal is that I am partnering with God to raise four godly children destined for their home in Heaven, who are passionate about Jesus Christ and spreading the gospel!  All of the not-so-glamorous "work" is just part of the package! 

Who am I working for?  Jesus!  Colossians 3:23-24  If I focus on just this fact, it makes the work a little easier!

Why do I need to work so diligently at what I do?  Because of the ultimate goal, and because God has given me a family that I am responsible for and He always requires good stewardship!  I want to see the fulfillment of all that God has called them to do in each of their lives.  He's got some wonderful plans for each of them!  I am laying the foundation right now!  It's tough, but just like with a beautiful building or structure, laying the foundation never looks glamorous and it's hard to imagine the beauty that will be seen when the project is done.  It looks nothing like the finished project!  But the beauty we will behold when it's finished is worth all of the labor!

So although I am tired, and sometimes my heart yearns for a more glamorous life, I am reminding myself to be content in the work that is before me and what I've been given.  I am {once again} retiring from the insatiable task of glamor-seeking!  ;)  The road ahead is long and hard and might get a little dirty, but I'm in it for the long haul!  The task of Motherhood is no small thing, and if this is the only thing God gives me to do the rest of my life, then so be it.  Sometimes, we hear so much louder the voice of the world that attempts to diminish the great, and glorify the unnecessary things in life.  Really, the thing we are searching for is not the things we're chasing anyway.  It's Him!  Dear Lord, please help me to see my tasks through your eyes with the right perspective.  Help me to do this work as unto You and work at it "with all my heart."  Renew my passion for the work you have given me.  Renew my passion for You and remind me that it's you that I find rest in when I'm weary.  Stir up and increase my passion for my current ministry - wife and mother.  Fill me afresh and anew with your Spirit and give me renewed hope and strength for my days.  And for all those who are reading these words and need the same, I pray this as well in Jesus' name.  :)  I pray also that these scriptures will bless you and encourage your hearts!

"Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.  They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest." - Psalm 126:5-6

"Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.  And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.  God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past." - Ecclesiastes 5:19

"The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." -Psalm 34:10

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." - Psalm 16:11

"The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." - Psalm 28:7


 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." - Psalm 5:11-12


Sunday, April 15, 2012