Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Ever had one of THOSE nights?

Ladies,

I am happy to post another devotion written by our very own Manorwood sister, Cyndi Word.  Thank you Cyndi for your transparency and sharing your insights with all of us! ~Laura



Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
 the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
 Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
 are the children of a vigorous youth.
 Oh, how blessed are you parents,
 with your quivers full of children!
  
 Psalm 127:3-5

I had to keep repeating this verse over and over in my mind last night. It was one of THOSE nights. I came home from work to a disaster of a kitchen and I could feel my shoulders tense as I cleaned up the mess. Then I found that the two chores that I had asked the three young adults in my house to do had not been done. One of these chores was to push the ON button of the dishwasher, which was loaded, soaped-up and ready to go. Really? Someone couldn’t push the ON button? And it happened. I became that person I really don’t want to be. The crazy mother screaming at the top of her lungs, arms gesturing, head rotating 360 degrees on my neck and hair on fire. It is a terrifying sight.

I marched myself to my co-parent, which in my house is God. Much like Adam in the garden, I started the complaint session with, “these children you gave me are a serious problem.” And I whined and whined and whined some more.

I won’t pretend to understand the mind of God, but somewhere in the midst of my tirade it was like I could see Him watching me with an understanding grin.

Me: “These kids don’t appreciate me, they are ungrateful.”
God: “mm hmm”
Me: “I sacrifice and sacrifice and do I get a word of thanks?”
God: “hurts, doesn’t it?”
Me: “They have time for all of the things they want to do with their days, but I give them a few simple tasks and do they do them, NO!”
God: “I see the light bulb over your head warming up. And there it is!”

Understanding. I often treat God the same way my children treat me. I take his amazing goodness and unfathomable love for granted. I do not always do the things he asks me to do; I am too busy with my own agenda. And I don’t say thank you enough. The very breath I am breathing is a gift from Him and He deserves all my gratitude.

So, thank you Father for all that you are, for your love and your grace and your magnificent mercy. And thank you for my children, who help me see you more clearly.


….Did I mention that they only had to push the ON button? OK, I’m done.

3 comments:

  1. Wow! As I read this, I really reflected on my relationship with God and my children. Yes, I can be one of THOSE parents, too. I shared this with my children and hopefully we will all learn the lesson... Thanks Cyndi!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great comment! Thank so much for posting. I think this is something we can all relate to--whether we have kids or not!

    Blessings-
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  3. All I can say is so true! This is my life! Thanks for sharing this. It has been a blessing to me!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete