I am at my kitchen table and the morning sun is breaking through the trees spreading bright light. A cup of coffee, a nourishing breakfast, my journal, devotional book and bible are scattered around me. A sentence in my devotional catches my attention:
"Rest in silence and tranquility." Before I have finished reading the sentence, loud laughter comes out of the living room where Trey is watching Milo & Otis for the 150th time. I look up in time to see him sneaking a cupcake off of the counter, my "Not right now" drowned out by the pounding of his feet as he runs back into the living room. Earlier, I was up at 3AM by his request for milk. Then his 6AM cry for a foot rub. My coffee is preceded by a dash outside to feed and water chickens, rabbits, horse, dogs, and a cat. Trey follows me outside, and a normally quick routine is punctuated by screams of " I lost my shoe!" "I'm cold!" "I want to go inside!" - all said in a screaming voice with as much drama as Bette Midler. Silence? Tranquility? Not today, honey . It's days like today that this verse encourages me: "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you." ~ Jesus (Jn15:4 MSG) Jesus isn't waiting for silence and tranquility before he makes his home in me. Phew. Phones ringing , toddlers whining, dirty dishes - regardless, Jesus is making his home in me in the midst of my life, not in spite of it. I encourage you to make a concerted effort to set aside quiet time for devotions and prayer. But on those days when the only 'quiet' you experience is when your kids are strapped into their seats and you're pumping gas - remember, in this too, Jesus is here. Here in the midst of your life. Jesus is here.
3 Comments
Jim Ferguson
12/4/2011 09:34:55 pm
Sounds like you are in the midst of discovery that the "mommy/wife" career is much more demanding than anything in the corporate world. It is also much, much more rewarding. I am reminded of thoughts from my favorite epistle, James (what else) in which the writer says "Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence." Remember, when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Good day in the Lord to you!
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Bob Burton
12/4/2011 11:48:47 pm
Hi Rosalyn, Praise the Lord I just read
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Rosalyn
12/5/2011 03:26:52 am
Thank you Jim and Bob for your thoughtful, encouraging comments. It's my task to encourage women, especially mothers of young ones, that Jesus is present in every aspect of our lives.
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